Princeton lawyers filed a statement on Mar. 14 reiterating that the University did not misuse the Wilson School's $550 million endowment as members of the Robertson Foundation have alleged.
The University had filed a motion to dismiss the allegations on Nov. 4, which the plaintiffs opposed. The recent statement was the defendants' reply to the plaintiffs' opposition.
Robertson family members filed a complaint in July in New Jersey Superior Court, alleging that the University tried to take control of the separate endowment. The foundation was established in 1961 with a $35 million gift from Marie and Charles Robertson '26. The family members who brought the suit wish to reclaim the funds and donate them to another public service school.
The defendants include the University, President Tilghman and the three other University-appointed members of the Robertson Foundation board, which oversees the Wilson School endowment.
The defendants argue that contrary to claims by the plaintiffs, Tilghman and the University Trustees "have demonstrated by their words and actions their commitment to the mission of the Foundation."
In addition, the defendants claim that "the University Trustees have done their utmost to respond to the family trustees' requests for information, suggestions for changes in operating procedures and expressions of concern about the Foundation's mission."
No date has been set for the hearing regarding the motion to dismiss or for summary judgment, defense lawyer Douglas ?Eakeley said.
The judge in the case was injured when he was struck by a car outside the courthouse in late January. He is now working part-time which may delay hearings, Eakeley said.
There have been no discussions regarding a possible out-of-court settlement, said University communications director Lauren Robinson-Brown '85.
"The University and the University-designated trustees are trying to resolve things amicably notwithstanding the litigation," Eakeley said.
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