Dartblog

Along with Dartmouth, one of the main stories being watched by supporters of reform in the governance of higher education institutions has been Princeton. A major donor is suing Princeton because it spent a large amount of his family’s donation in violation of the terms according to which the monies were given. Specifically, the heirs to the A&P supermarket fortune are responsible for about $900 million of Princeton’s endowment. The Robertson family donated the money specifically for the education of public servants—for the education of federal employees. Princeton elected to use portions of the money for other tasks, some frivolous.

Princeton, like Dartmouth, is defending its right to ignore promises. The Robertsons have set up a website to track their cause here, and the Chronicle of Higher Education reports that an initial ruling is expected today from New Jersey courts. There will probably be no ruling on motions for summary judgment; at this late date both parties expect the case to go to trial. (Although Princeton is lobbying furiously to avoid a jury trial.) Instead, Judge Neil H. Shuster in the Superior Court of New Jersey will rule on whether Princeton was the sole intended beneficiary of the money in question. If he rules that it was not, then the path to victory for the Robertsons is lit up.