Two witnesses testified in Charlotte-Mecklenburg's desegregation trial Friday. But another caused the biggest stir. School board attorneys asked U.S. District Judge Robert Potter to exempt Bank of America Chairman and Chief Executive Hugh McColl Jr. from giving a deposition before testifying in the case. McColl wasexpected to tell the court that diverse schools better prepare students for the work force. But schools attorney Leslie Winner said McColl's schedule doesn't allow time for a deposition next week as well as later testimony.
Depositions allow both sides to see what a witness is likely to say during trial.
Lee Parks, an attorney for the parents suing the school system over its race-based admissions policies, told Potter it was only fair to depose McColl before he testifies. He apparently won't testify. Winner said the system is unlikely to call him. And bank spokesman Dick Stilley said previous commitments prevent McColl from giving a deposition. David Armor, an expert witness for the parents' group, continued his testimony for a second day Friday.