UA Board Of Trustees May Return $21 Million Culverhouse Donation

TUSCALOOSA, AL - Last fall, the University of Alabama received a record donation of $21.5 million from the family of Hugh Culverhouse, a prominent alumnus of the school. The donation prompted the university to name the University of Alabama School of Law after Culverhouse, but the new name may be short lived, as could the donation itself.

Hugh Culverhouse, Jr. openly criticized the Alabama State Legislature for its abortion ban bill passed this month, and called for a boycott of the University of Alabama because of it.

"I cannot stand by silently and allow my name to be associated with a state educational system that teaches students law that clearly conflicts w/the U.S. Constitution and Federal law," Culverhouse said. "The discrimination against women embodied by the law could easily be extended to other Federal statutes and the U.S. Constitution decisions, which is a dangerous situation not only in Alabama but in other states contemplating similar unconstitutional laws.”

The University of Alabama Board of Trustees did not take the statement lightly, and chancellor Finis St. John said Culverhouse can have his $21.5 million back:

As well, the university will decide on taking the Culverhouse name off the law school at its next meeting. The trustees did say that the return of Culverjhouse's donation has nothing to do with his stance on the abortion bill, but rather his attempts at determining school policy.

"None of the issues between the Law School and Mr. Culverhouse had anything to do with the passage of legislation in which the University had no role," said a statement by the University of Alabama System. "Donors may not dictate University administration."

"Hugh feels that students, especially women students, should think twice about enrolling in the University of Alabama until the Alabama Legislature and its Governor come to their senses or the statute is declared unconstitutional," said Lawrence Kellogg, Culverhouse’s attorney. “Sixty-six percent of the students at Alabama pay out-of-state tuition. A boycott by them could certainly be effective. Hugh also strongly believes that out-of-state and international businesses should not be doing business in a state that discriminates against women.”

As his boycott continues, Culverhouse said he will turn his donating power to support the ACLU to help fund a successful legal challenge of the law.