Vanterpool vs. FCLB Trial Begins July 8th: Final Witness Lists Released

As the highly anticipated trial of Keita Vanterpool versus the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) draws near, the court has released the final witness lists, shedding light on the key players who will testify. The trial, set to begin on Monday, July 8, 2024, will bring to the forefront a complex web of allegations, including claims of discrimination, unfair treatment, and the inner workings of the chiropractic cartel.

Background of the Case

Keita Vanterpool, an African American chiropractor, is suing the FCLB for what she claims was an unjust and discriminatory suspension from her position as vice president of the FCLB. Central to her case is her attempt to attend the Chiropractic Summit, an exclusive gathering known for its secrecy and influence within the chiropractic profession. Vanterpool alleges that her suspension was part of an effort to exclude her from this influential circle, highlighting broader issues of racial discrimination and power dynamics within the FCLB.

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Witnesses for the Plaintiff (Keita Vanterpool):

1. Charles Gallagher - Expected to testify on the first day of the trial.
2. George Khoury - Scheduled to testify on the morning of July 9, 2024.
3. Jon Schwartzbauer - Set to testify mid-morning on July 9, 2024.
4. Lisa Kouzes - Will testify in the early afternoon of July 9, 2024.
5. Karen Campion - Scheduled for the mid-afternoon of July 9, 2024.
6. Daniel Cote - Expected to testify late afternoon on July 9, 2024.
7. Dr. Conway - Set to testify on the morning of July 10, 2024.
8. Dale Atkinson - Scheduled for mid-morning on July 10, 2024.
9. Karlos Boghosian - Expected to testify late morning on July 10, 2024.
10. Carol Winkler - Set for early afternoon testimony on July 10, 2024.
11. Jason Young - Expected to testify mid-afternoon on July 10, 2024.
12. Beth Ehlich - Scheduled for late afternoon on July 10, 2024.
13. Brian McIntyre - Expected to testify early morning on July 11, 2024.
14. Keita Vanterpool - Will testify late morning on July 11, 2024.

Witnesses for the Defense (FCLB):

1. Keita Vanterpool - Will be called to testify by the defense, with cross-examination anticipated.
2. Carol Winkler, D.C. - Will testify in defense of her actions and decisions.
3. Karlos Boghosian, D.C. - Expected to defend his role and decisions.
4. Robert Daschner, D.C. - May be called to provide additional context.
5. Karen Campion - May testify to provide her perspective on the case.
6. Lisa Kouzes, D.C. - Another potential witness for the defense.
7. Brian McIntyre, D.C. - May testify to support the defense’s case.
8. George Khoury, D.C. - Another potential defense witness.
9. Beth Ehlich, D.C. - May provide testimony in support of the defense.
10. Beth Kidd - May be called to testify for the defense.
11. Jon Schwartzbauer, D.C. - Another potential defense witness.
12. Dale Atkinson, Esq. - Legal counsel for the FCLB, expected to provide key testimony.

Key Figures and Their Statements:

Dale Atkinson: As legal counsel for the FCLB, Atkinson took detailed notes during the executive sessions that led to Vanterpool’s suspension. However, his responses to Vanterpool’s inquiries lacked specific references to any policy violations, raising questions about the justification for her suspension.

Karlos Boghosian: A member of the FCLB’s Board of Directors, Boghosian’s deposition revealed a lack of recall regarding specific reasons for Vanterpool’s suspension. He testified that he was unaware of any policy violations by Vanterpool and believed she supported the FCLB’s mission.

Carol Winkler: Another key figure, Winkler testified that there was no specific prohibition against Vanterpool attending the Chiropractic Summit. She also couldn’t recall any specific bylaws or policies that Vanterpool violated, casting further doubt on the reasons for her suspension.

Context of the Case

The Chiropractic Summit, along with the NBCE, CCE, and FCLB, forms the core of what is often referred to as the chiropractic cartel. These organizations wield significant power and influence within the profession, often funded by student loan money and tax dollars. The Summit meetings are typically secretive, with limited transparency about their discussions and decisions.

Vanterpool’s exclusion from these meetings and subsequent suspension highlight the entrenched power dynamics and potential conflicts of interest within the chiropractic profession. Board members frequently move between these organizations and state regulatory boards, raising concerns about transparency, accountability and conflicts of interest.

Conclusion

As the trial begins, the testimonies of these key figures will be critical in uncovering the truth behind Keita Vanterpool’s suspension. The case not only addresses allegations of discrimination and unfair treatment but also sheds light on the broader issues of power and influence within the chiropractic profession. The trial promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for transparency and fairness in chiropractic governance.