Palmer Applauds University of Alabama for Returning Major Donation

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Applauds University of Alabama for Returning Major Donation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL) has expressed his support for the University of Alabama's decision to return a $21.5 million donation to Mr. Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. The donation was originally made to the university's law school, which was then renamed to the Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. School of Law in honor of Mr. Culverhouse. Over the weekend, the monetary gift was returned and the law school's name was changed back to the University of Alabama School of Law.

"I am proud of the university's decision to return the funds," Palmer said. "This is about academic integrity and institutional independence. In returning the funds, the University of Alabama is setting an example that I hope other colleges and universities will follow. While donors may designate the use of their donations, they do not have a right to dictate how our academic institutions conduct business related to admissions, scholarships, and hiring. To do so would undermine institutional independence and integrity."

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