Otha Davenport of Yellow Springs heads the group that filed the petition in Columbus.

In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Davenport said the group wants an investigation of the actions of the Antioch University Board of trustees before and after the college was closed.

Davenport said state law allows citizens to ask for such an investigation when the organization involved is a nonprofit and the board of the nonprofit may have taken actions that were not appropriate.

The goal of the group is to save the school.

“This has been a real breeding ground for people who have made huge differences in the world, not only the Miami Valley but also the world,” Davenport said.

The Antioch University board and interested alumni have been in talks recently about a transfer of the assets of the college to the alumni so that the school could be reopened.

“Our hope is that this will encourage the people with the university to negotiate in good faith with the alumni board,” Davenport said.

A university spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com