The case to save an imploding college is moving forward, despite steep legal challenges

"Bedford County Circuit Judge James W. Updike Jr. will allow certain parts of Bowyer's case to move forward, the court announced Tuesday, despite claims that the county attorney lacks the proper standing to sue the school. Specifically, Updike ruled that Bowyer has standing under Virginia charitable solicitation law, but not under the state's trust law."

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/sweet-briar-college-lawsuit-hearing-2015-4#ixzz3XJTr5hdW

Judge will consider injunction to keep Sweet Briar College open

"BEDFORD - A surprise split decision this morning from a Bedford County Circuit Court judge kept alive efforts to block the closure of Sweet Briar College.

Judge James W. Updike Jr. ruled the county attorney for Amherst County does have standing under state law to challenge whether the college leadership is inappropriately using funds solicited for the operation of Sweet Briar to close it down.

However, Updike also ruled Sweet Briar is a corporation, not a trust, siding with college attorneys  and the state attorney general on one of two motions before the court.

Wednesday morning, Updike will consider County Attorney Ellen Bowyer's motion for a temporary injunction to halt the board of directors from taking steps to close the college."

http://www.richmond.com/news/article_9adde6aa-4b38-5d51-ba36-7150671d1767.html

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Amherst Mayor Paul Kilgore Sends Forceful Letter Opposing Closure of Sweet Briar College

"Amherst, Virginia Mayor J. Paul Kilgore sent letter today to Sweet Briar College officials calling for a reconsideration of their plans to close the college.

Mayor Kilgore’s letter underscored the serious economic impact to the town from the school’s closing and highlighted the many years of partnership that existed between the town and the college.


Kilgore noted that many important municipal services were provided at discounted rates, including water and sewer services. He also said the town provided the college with access to tax exempt financing for facility expansions. The mayor asked how Sweet Briar College plans to honor its financial obligations to infrastructure enhancements the town plans to make to its water supply and sewer treatment systems, both of which will benefit the college."


Read full letter and #SSB comments on:
https://savingsweetbriar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Town-of-Amherst-Mayors-letter-to-Sweet-Briar-College-150413.pdf

Sweet Briar faculty join lawsuit seeking to stop the college from closing

A group of faculty and staff members at Sweet Briar College has filed a motion supporting a lawsuit that seeks to stop the school from closing, and warns that they plan further legal action.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/04/13/sweet-briar-faculty-join-lawsuit-seeking-to-stop-the-college-from-closing/

Our view: Herring lowers the boom

In his 10-page filing, Herring completely undercuts the legal argument that Ellen Bowyer had intended to make in Tuesday’s hearing before Circuit Court Judge Jim Updike. The reason she had taken action – and not the alumnae group Save Sweet Briar – is that Virginia law clearly spells out that the county attorney has some authority to go to court “on behalf of the Commonwealth” if a non-profit group in its jurisdiction is operating against the law.

READ Roanoke Times Editorial and Continuing Comments from SBC Alumnae.

http://www.roanoke.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-herring-lowers-the-boom/article_1e4fadb1-98e6-560b-a67a-2474fa0d8900.html?mode=story

Va. Attorney General: Amherst County Attorney lacks standing in Sweet Briar case

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has filed a brief with the courts disputing Amherst County Attorney Ellen Bowyer's standing to act on behalf of the Commonwealth as she seeks to halt the closing of Sweet Briar College.

http://m.newsadvance.com/news/local/va-attorney-general-amherst-county-attorney-lacks-standing-in-sweet/article_09de8086-dee7-11e4-bf37-93fbcb817d66.html?mode=jqm

The End of College as We Know It

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/opinion-blog/2015/04/08/sweet-briar-college-closure-signals-the-coming-shake-up-of-higher-education  A new book: The End of College: Creating the Future of Learning and the University of Everywhere," by Kevin Carey, director of the Education Policy Program at New America,