AG Herring's reply to a letter from Monika Kaiser '82

A few days ago I wrote to the AG of VA for the second time.  This time, though it was a form letter provided by Saving Sweet Briar.  Here is the reply of the AG's office - and they spelled my name wrong. 

Dear Ms. Kiser, 

Thank you for contacting Attorney General Mark Herring. We appreciate your taking the time to write to our office and we respect your advocacy on behalf of Sweet Briar College. Sweet Briar has served a unique purpose in the Commonwealth for more than a century, and its closing has understandably been shocking and disheartening to thousands connected to the school and many more Virginians who proudly claimed the college. The passion and commitment shown by the Sweet Briar family following the Board of Directors' decision has been a testament to the kind of education it has offered. 

As you know, Sweet Briar College is a private school, and therefore is not a client agency of the Attorney General, who advises state officials and represents the various state agencies, departments, and colleges and universities. Like many other private schools in Virginia, Sweet Briar operates as a corporation governed by a Board of Directors. Last week, a Bedford County judge ruled that the Board has the legal authority to vote to cease operations when it has determined that it is no longer sustainable to continue. 

It is extremely unfortunate that the Board could not find a viable path forward; but unless the Board has acted improperly or violated its duties, the Commonwealth of Virginia has no legal basis to intervene. Throughout this process, the Office of Attorney General has closely monitored the situation. We have been in communication and held meetings with the school, Amherst County Attorney Ellen Bowyer, and the Saving Sweet Briar organization. Because of the commitment of people like you, the size of the assets involved, and the significant economic and cultural impact of the closing, the matter is receiving the close attention and careful consideration it deserves.

As the process moves forward, we will maintain that commitment to collaboration and communication, and will continue to encourage the parties to be open and transparent with one another and all interested parties and stakeholders. Even in this difficult time, it is important that the school's leadership and its community communicate openly and honestly about the challenges confronting Sweet Briar and the Board's decision.

The Attorney General's formal role under the law will be to speak on behalf of the general public interest to ensure that Sweet Briar's remaining assets are used in a way that is in the public interest and as close as possible to the intent of the donor. The law also requires the Office to review proposed modifications to the use of certain gifts. No proposed modifications have been approved yet and Attorney General Herring personally commits to the Sweet Briar community that we will closely review the proposed use of remaining assets to ensure they will provide lasting educational benefits and carry on the legacy of Sweet Briar.

Thank you again for writing to our office during this very difficult time for the students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Sweet Briar College, and the Commonwealth as a whole.

                                                                                    Sincerely, 

                                                                                    Brittany Anderson

                                                                                    Director of Legislative and Constituent Affairs

                                                                                    Office of Attorney General Mark Herring 

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