Newcomb Supporters Hail La. Supreme Court Decision
New Orleans, July 1, 2008 – The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled today that “Louisiana law grants a would-be heir or legatee standing to enforce a condition of a donation,” a decision that could help force Tulane University to reinstate Newcomb College, which the university abolished two years ago. The college was established more than 120 years ago under the terms of a gift from Josephine Louise Newcomb, who donated the money specifically for the purpose of “establishing and maintaining” Newcomb College.
“This is an important decision for supporters of Louisiana’s nonprofit sector and for nonprofit managers alike – affirming the right of donors and philanthropists and their heirs to challenge the possible improper use of designated charitable gifts,” said Renee Seblatnigg, President of The Future of Newcomb College, an organization of donors and supporters dedicated to preserving the famous women’s school.
“While the case was sent back to the lower court for adjudication, the Supreme Court of Louisiana has stated in no uncertain terms that the rights of donors will be protected in this state, that the descendants of donors have a right and obligation to see that gift terms are observed, and that officials of nonprofit organizations can be challenged and held accountable when they misuse designated funds, such as the Newcomb endowment.”
The plaintiffs, Parma Matthis Howard and Jane Matthis Smith (Mrs. Newcomb’s closest living relatives), will now have to return to the district court, according to the ruling, to “amend their petition to more accurately establish their standing as would-be heirs of Mrs. Newcomb.”
“While the future of Newcomb College is still uncertain, this ruling takes us one step closer to our goal: The reopening of the college,” said Seblatnigg.
