State district Judge Janice Clark ruled that the University’s presidential search process was illegal in a short minute entry Thursday, ordering the names of more than 30 potential candidates to be released immediately.

Court hearings for the suit filed by The Advocate and NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune ended Thursday, after which Clark submitted the ruling.

The publications followed Daily Reveille Editor in Chief Andrea Gallo’s lead when she first threatened to file suit earlier this month. Gallo’s court hearing is scheduled for April 30.

“I am happy to hear that Judge Janice Clark sided with transparency and holding our state officials accountable. Today was a huge victory for journalists, academics and members of the public who care about the future of LSU,” Gallo said.

Once Clark’s judgment is filed, the University and its legal counsel will be given a timeframe during which they can file an appeal.

Herb Vincent, associate vice chancellor for University Relations, said he could not comment on the University’s behalf as of Thursday afternoon, nor could he confirm whether the University intends to appeal.

Jimmy Faircloth, the University’s attorney for the case, also said he would not comment until speaking with his clients.