September 14, 2009

Two weeks ago, we announced that Judge Ledet denied plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment in the Montgomery case and granted Tulane’s. Since then, many supporters have responded with encouragement for appealing the ruling. While the TFoNC Board, the plaintiff and the lawyers recommend going forward with the appeal, we need to hear from more of you. To be able to meet the challenges associated with an appeal, we need for you to vote with your dollars as well as with your voices.

WE THINK THE CASE CAN BE WON

When this case was filed, we anticipated that the best chance of obtaining a court order requiring Tulane to reinstate Newcomb College as it existed pre-Katrina would be on appeal, most likely at the Louisiana Supreme Court. There are no guarantees of winning on appeal, but we believe that the chances are good based upon advice from the lawyers and the strength of legal precedent.

IF THE RULING IS NOT APPEALED, THE CASE WILL BE OVER

It is hard to think about what ending the case at this point will mean:

* Newcomb College will exist only in our memories and in the history books
* Tulane’s dishonoring of Mrs. Newcomb’s memorial intent will prevail, and future generations of young women will never have the unique and distinguished educational opportunities that Newcomb College offered its students and its graduates
* New Orleans and Tulane will never again have the honor and prestige that Newcomb bestowed upon them
* There will be no more second and third generations of Newcomb grads, and
* There will be no more Newcomb alumnae.

Instead, Tulane will be free to use the money, which Mrs. Newcomb intended for developing and maintaining Newcomb College in perpetuity as a memorial to Sophie, to fund the Institute and its programs, or, as it has stated repeatedly in its court documents, to fund a different purpose altogether, such as a football stadium. In short, superlative women’s education and programs at Tulane could be drop-kicked on a moment’s notice with impunity.

CHALLENGES ABOUND – WE NEED YOUR HELP

The moment to decide the future of Newcomb College is now. We must raise more funds to proceed. That is the challenge, pure and simple. So, we appeal to you for help. You are the stalwart and steadfast supporters of Newcomb College who have believed as we have that it was wrong for Tulane to dissolve Newcomb. You are the ones who have made it possible for this effort to go on for over three years with your contributions, your presence and your voices. You have been the spirit of Newcomb Lives! If the appeal is to go forward, your substantial financial support will be more necessary than ever. These are difficult economic times, but we have to overcome that challenge if there is to be an appeal.

HELP US TELL THE LAWYERS: “FILE THE APPEAL!”

We want to tell the lawyers to file the appeal, so we challenge you to stand with us and to vote with your dollars — $100, $250, $500, $1000 or more — to keep the process going forward. Without your support at this critical moment for Newcomb, we will be reluctant to proceed, and Newcomb College could be lost forever. The final decision must be made soon. It is up to us, and it is up to you.

To donate online, click the “Donate” button to the left and make a generous contribution.

Let us hear from you. Stay tuned. Newcomb Lives!