Saying there's no conspiracy is not a claim, that's the default position. Look up "null hypothesis" and "burden of proof."

> Saying there’s no conspiracy is not a claim

You fooled me. I’m fine with your later “there’s no evidence of a conspiracy.” But saying “there’s no conspiracy” is indeed a claim in casual speech.

The potential evidence of a conspiracy is that the professors were denied permission to testify, when, as you point out, they’ve been allowed in the past. What changed?

We'll have to see what the result of the lawsuit is and the ensuing discovery to know.