WASHINGTON (AP) — The presidents of George Washington University and the University of Maryland have been called to testify on their merger talks with the Corcoran Gallery of Art and its college.

The testimony expected this week comes as the Corcoran’s merger with George Washington University and the National Gallery of Art is being debated in court.

George Washington President Steven Knapp is scheduled to testify Tuesday. University of Maryland President Wallace Loh has been called by opponents of the deal to testify Thursday. The University of Maryland’s talks with the Corcoran fell through.

Nine Corcoran students, faculty and staff members are challenging the merger in court.

The Corcoran’s board must win approval to go forward with the merger. Corcoran attorneys say the museum is in survival mode after years of financial shortfalls.

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