A local judge ordered the UI to turn over more than 1,100 documents related to a sexual-assault investigation involving two former Hawkeye football players.

Sixth District Judge Douglas Russell decided on Oct. 2 the UI has 14 days to turn over the documents.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed in August 2008 by the Iowa City Press-Citizen. UI officials contended the records are protected under federal student-privacy laws.

On Aug. 31, Russell ruled the university must turn over the papers within 30 days, but school officials requested more time, which Russell allowed.

The judge also ordered the UI pay $30,500 in costs and attorneys fees to the Press-Citizen.

The lawsuit stems from an alleged Oct. 14, 2007, incident in which two former Hawkeye football players were accused of sexually assaulting a female student-athlete. Neither of the men has gone to trial yet.

The UI was widely criticized for its role in the subsequent investigation, and a probe into officials’ handling of the case resulted in the termination of two administration officials.

— by Regina Zilbermints