Bethune-Cookman University wins legal dispute with former alumni association

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A years-long legal dispute between Bethune-Cookman University and its former alumni association has come to an end with an agreement that orders the group to cease all operations on behalf of the university.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

According to court documents, B-CU’s initial complaint against the former Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune National Alumni Association (MMBNAA) stemmed from the association’s unauthorized use of the university’s trademarks and logos despite demands to cease after B-CU’s decision to end its relationship with the group and transition to an alumni association under B-CU management.

READ: Bethune-Cookman leaders announce plans for major upgrades to campus facilities

The university released a statement Monday announcing the agreement, which calls for the MMBNAA and all related entities to permanently dissolve, and provide all funds it has raised for student scholarships to B-CU.

According to the university’s statement, those funds will be distributed directly by B-CU for student scholarships.

B-CU’s statement on the agreement stresses that there is now “one, and only one,” official alumni association for alumni of Bethune-Cookman University, which is now the Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association, or B-CUAA.

READ: How Mary McLeod Bethune created Bethune-Cookman University with $1.50 in her pocket

The MMBNAA will be given a “brief period” to allow time for the organization to wind down its operations, but will no longer accept donations of any kind, according to B-CU’s statement.

From now on, the university says any support directed at B-CU should go to the B-CUAA, which can be found online here.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2024 Cox Media Group