Continuing a tit-for-tat feud that has played out in the courts and in the press for the last four years, the Robertson family today launched a website to publicize its arguments in its multi-million dollar lawsuit against the University.
The site, robertsonvprinceton.org, is intended to give voice to the Robertsons' point of view, counterbalancing the information on the case published on the University website, as well as news articles and commentaries on the case, a family representative said.
"There's a critical mass of information about [the case] out there, but none of it is coming directly from the Robertsons," family spokesman Herb Berkowitz said yesterday.
The site will include background on the case, the Robertson Foundation and the Robertson family, as well as a question-and-answer section and links to legal documents and news articles published in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among other papers. It will also include a way to contact the Robertsons about the case.
The University has been embroiled in the high-profile dispute over the $650 million Robertson Foundation endowment since July 2002, costing both sides more than $7 million in legal fees.
The Robertsons allege that Princeton has misused the Foundation's funds by ignoring the original intent of the late donors Charles '26 and Marie Robertson, which they say was to place Wilson School graduates in federal government jobs, especially those in foreign policy.
The University denies any misuse and says it does a good job of placing graduates in the public sector.
Lead plaintiff Bill Robertson '72 said in a statement that robertsonvprinceton.org "is dedicated to providing the public, the philanthropic community and Princeton University students, alumni, faculty, families and friends with reliable and timely information on our lawsuit against the university."
"For several years," Robertson said, "Princeton has been using the Internet to disseminate its propaganda and opinions about the case while complaining about our modest efforts to present our side to the public and the media."
Berkowitz explained that Robertsons are "tired of ceding all that ground to the University ... there's no reason [the University] should have a monopoly on the information available online for interested parties."
He added that the family and its advisors decided to create a website now because the suit is nearing a trial date.
University spokeswoman Cass Cliatt '96 declined last night to comment on the Robertsons' website.
Princeton's communications office has continually published news releases that outline the filing of legal documents in the case. In March, the University created an informational webpage with links to explanations of the case by President Tilghman and University Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee '69.
"The current family members also are seeking to take control of the foundation's funds, despite their parents' clear intention that Princeton University should be the sole beneficiary of their gift," the University's webpage notes.
On Nov. 28, New Jersey Superior Court judge Neil Shuster will hear oral arguments on six motions for partial summary judgment in the case. After that, the two sides will likely hold a round of negotiations, Wilson School Dean Anne-Marie Slaughter '80 said last month at a meeting of Wilson School graduate students.
"If that doesn't work, the case would probably go to court around this time next year," she added.
Read More
Economics professor Kate Ho passes away after long battle with cancer
Devon RudolphProfessor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Professor Kate Ho made seminal contributions to the economics of modeling competition in the healthcare sector and taught well-loved courses in industrial organization.
Pedestrian left in critical condition after traffic collision on Nassau Street
Luke GrippoThe pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
The pedestrian was struck by a westbound 2015 Ford Explorer around 11:32 p.m. The driver was identified in the press release as a 39-year-old Princeton resident who cooperated with officers upon their arrival.
Senior class jacket abruptly changed following accusations of AI design
Vitus LarrieuFor more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.
For more than a century, Princeton seniors have donned “beer jackets” to protect their clothes during Reunions and commencement celebrations, typically with elaborate designs chosen by a class-wide contest. Now, with a selection process marred by accusations of generative AI use, the Class of 2026 may have written its own spot in Princeton history.