Claremont campus
Claremont School of Theology campus. (Courtesy Photo)
CLAREMONT, Calif. May 4, 2021/Claremont School of Theology/—Claremont School ofTheology’s (CST) leadership learned today that the California Supreme Court declined to hear its case regarding the Court of Appeal’s ruling to overturn the lower court’s decision leaving standing the Appellate Court ruling upholding a unique 1957 agreement and formula signed by the School’s founders. That restriction claims that The Colleges have the Right of First Offer to buy the campus at a fraction of the property’s value, if CST sells its campus.
“Although this is disappointing news, the Supreme Court decision allows us to move forward with our two-campus model, offering progressive theological education both here at our main campus in Claremont and on the campus of Willamette University in Salem, Oregon,” said CST’s President, Rev. Dr. Kah-Jin Jeffrey Kuan. “For the last several years CST has had record numbers of students on our campuses and in our hybrid/online programs. We continue our commitment to offer transforming theological education not found anywhere else. This decision does not change that commitment,” Kuan said.
Based on an early 1980s California law, CST believed the 1957 restriction was no longer applicable and valid and that the School should receive fair market value for the property. The lower courts agreed, but the appellate court overturned that ruling. The decision, while important, is only one matter before the courts regarding the status of the School, and it will only go into effect if CST chooses to sell its property. Further, this decision does not affect CST’s accreditation or how the School will continue in its mission to educate religious leaders for the church, local communities, and the academy.
Established in 1885, Claremont School of Theology is fully recognized and approved as one of thirteen official theological schools of The United Methodist Church, with close relationships with other Protestant denominations, as well as many interreligious partnerships. CST offers graduate-level programs, including Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Doctor of Ministry, andDoctor of Philosophy degrees in religion and practical theology.