Supreme Court Decision Changes MUWAeA Relationship with University

An update on the current legal status of the original and historic alumnae/alumni association.

By “Mack” Spencer

As a result of a ruling by the Mississippi Supreme Court, the historic MUWAeA is no longer formally affiliated with Mississippi University for Women.  What this means is that the association no longer receives recognition and support from the university.  It does not mean that the Association is disbanded or defunct.  On the contrary, according to Association president Kym Gore, "the organization is carrying on its efforts to represent alumnae/I and continuing its good work and service to our beloved W."

While we would have preferred a court ruling that allowed the association to remain affiliated, "the organization  remains a viable, successful organization committed to serving Mississippi University for Women," Gore said ."Our organization has dedicated itself to MUW for 119 years, and we will continue to work for the benefit of MUW for at least the next 119 years."

Elected leaders of the 119-year-old organization of alumnae of the nation's first public institution for educating women are in the process of considering all of the ramifications of the court's ruling.

"Given the challenges facing MUW in today's higher education arena, I believe that MUW needs its faithful, dedicated alumni more than ever," she stated.

The Supreme Court ruled 3-2, with three justices not participating, that the chancery court record did not support the finding of bad faith issued by Chancellor Dorothy Colom. Rather, the justices in the majority said Limbert acted within the terms of the affiliation agreement – despite the fact that the negotiation of the affiliation agreement itself was alleged and earlier found to have been conducted in bad faith.

The high court's ruling upheld the disaffiliation of  the association, and barred the association from using the university name and trademarks.  As a result, the Association will consider options for a new name for the old association at its winter board meeting.  (for additional details, read "Would  A Rose By Any Other Name…?)

Association attorneys Julie Hussey and Kym Gore filed a motion for the high court to rehear the case and reconsider its findings, on the grounds that the court ignored its own standards of review in rendering its decision. No decision has been announced by the court on the motion to rehear.

The Mississippi University for Women Alumnae Association is a registered entity which has been representing alumni of the nation's first public institution of higher learning for women since 1889. Gore said the organization has continued to work on behalf of MUW throughout the legal appeals process, including fully endowing a new scholarship after Limbert initiated the disaffiliation process. She added that the association is fully engaged in its work on behalf of MUW, and that there is no current move to cancel any pending plans or upcoming events.

In addition to an established Web site which is targeted to all MUW alumnae and alumni (www.muwalumnae.com) and an electronic newsletter which features alumnae, alumni and organizational news, the association has been carrying on its regular schedule of programs and meetings, Gore said. The MUW Alumnae Association will hold Winter Board Meeting next week, Jan. 31 in Columbus.