The development brought to the attention of the Chancellor by the Attorney General in his filing of Friday, October 22nd, regarding the exhibition of the Stieglitz Art Collection, does not address Fisk’s fundamental financial challenge which is that without a large infusion of cash Fisk cannot continue to operate.
This unsubstantiated plan, purportedly funded by unknown donors and pledge amounts, is another scheme which fails to address Fisk’s survival. The Court has already ruled that any proposal must address Fisk University’s overall financial health; the Attorney General’s plan does not mention Fisk’s well-being.
Further, this plan purports to substitute the Frist Center with the Tennessee State Museum for the display and maintenance of the collection. Specifically, the Chancery Court stated:
It would not be in keeping, then, with the donor’s intent to keep the Collection in Nashville at the cost of sacrificing the existence of Fisk University.
Fisk is Nashville’s first university and is the number one producer of African-Americans who go on to earn doctoral degrees in the natural sciences than any school in the nation.
The only proposal before the Court which can provide for the permanent care of the art and allow Fisk University to continue its primary educational mission is the sharing arrangement with Crystal Bridges Museum.
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