Newcomb College Rehearing Started Tuesday

I previously blogged about the landmark “donor intent” lawsuit involving Newcomb College here and here. In my last blog, I mentioned that the Newcomb case would be re-argued before a 5-judge panel on September 21. The five judges hearing the case include Judges Dennis Bagneris, Roland Belsome, Terri Love, Patricia Murray, and Max Tobias. We should find out soon whether or not Tulane must reopen Newcomb College in accordance with Josephine Newcomb’s intent.

Renee Seblatnigg, president of The Future of Newcomb College (TFoNC), stated that members of her organization “fully expect the 4th Circuit panel to acknowledge the facts in this case and order Tulane to reverse its decision to walk away from its moral and legal obligations. Not only is this important to Mrs. Henderson Montgomery and alumnae and supporters of Newcomb College, but it is also important to other charitable donors in Louisiana who believe gifts given and accepted for specific purposes must be used for those purposes.”

Press Release from The Future of Newcomb College, Inc., Sept. 20, 2010 (quoting Renee Seblatnigg). See also John Pope, Newcomb College Lawsuit Rehearing is Tuesday, The Times-Picayune, Sept. 20, 2010.

Special thanks to Sue Bentch (Professor, retired, St. Mary’s University School of Law) for bringing this update to my attention.