Controversy between an HBCU and its alumni association has led to a dramatic course of action. Lincoln University of Missouri cut ties with its national alumni association in early June.
A letter from Lincoln’s Board of Curators dated June 10 states the board has “concerns about the finances, management, and options of the Lincoln University of Missouri National Alumni Association.” The letter says that the suspension is immediate and the alumni association will not be allowed to use the school’s name, logo or emblems.The letter further states that the decision will not impact individual alumni chapters. As an additional measure the school also laid out plans to create an alumni council made up of representatives from each chapter.
The Lincoln Board of Curators lays out the case of what has been a turbulent relationship over the past three years between the HBCU and its national alumni association.
The letter claims that in order to become affiliated with the school again, the LUAA must:
- Have an independent CPA perform an audit of the association for its two most recent fiscal years and submit it to the university no later than Sept. 1.
- Create an independent mailing address no later than July 1.
- Create an independent financial management system outside of the university to receive payments. and donations online no later than July 1.
- Immediately begin acting as a 501(c)3 organization.
- Not “publicly disparage” the University or its representatives.