The University of Alabama put principle over a $21.5 million preference regarding its largest donor due to his political activism.
Following donor Hugh Culverhouse Junior’s call for businesses to boycott “The Yellowhammer State” over its new abortion legislation and in response, the University of Alabama’s board of trustees voted to give him back millions — plus interest.
“The action taken by the Board today was a direct result of Mr. Culverhouse’s ongoing attempts to interfere in the operations of the Law School,” the university’s vice chancellor for communication, Kellee Reinhart, said Friday. “That was the only reason the Board voted to remove his name and return his money.”
Mr. Culverhouse’s name will also be removed from the institution’s law school.
“I want to make clear that I never demanded that $21.5 million be refunded and wonder if the University is attempting to silence my opinions by their quick response,” the donor responded, NPR reported. “I will not be silenced.”
“I expected this response from UA,” Mr. Culverhouse said. “I will not allow my family’s name to be associated with an educational system that advocates a state law which discriminates against women, disregards established Federal law and violates our Constitution.”
Stuart Bell, the university’s president, also released a statement on the matter.
“This decision was made for reasons of academic and institutional integrity,” Mr. Bell wrote. “I appreciate the actions of the Chancellor and our Board of Trustees and their unwavering support of these intrinsic values.”
The university maintains that Mr. Culverhouse previously requested a return of $10 million, NPR reported.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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