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Russell v. Yale University

737 A.2d 941 (1999)

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Russell v. Yale University

Connecticut Appellate Court
737 A.2d 941 (1999)

Facts

John Sterling created a charitable trust to benefit his alma mater, Yale University (Yale) (defendant). The trust’s funds were to be used for the construction of buildings memorializing Sterling’s gratitude to Yale. In 1930, the trustees voted to give Yale money for the construction and maintenance of Yale’s divinity-school quadrangle. Over time, various other alumni donors (plaintiffs) also made charitable contributions to the divinity school. In 1996, Yale approved plans to reorganize the divinity school. The plans included demolishing large portions of the quadrangle. Sterling’s heir, Cynthia Sterling, along with the alumni donors and certain students then enrolled in the divinity school (collectively, plaintiffs) filed suit against Yale, seeking an injunction preventing execution of the reorganization plan, a declaration that the plan constituted an abuse of the discretion related to a public charitable trust, and an accounting of all gifts and donations that Yale received for the divinity school’s benefit. Yale moved to dismiss the suit, arguing that the various plaintiffs lacked standing to bring the action. The trial court agreed and dismissed the action. Cynthia, the alumni donors, and the students appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Lavery, J.)

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