Claremont School of Theology Undeterred by California Supreme Court Refusal to Hear Case

CLAREMONT, Calif. May 4, 2021/Claremont School of Theology/—Claremont School of
Theology’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 very 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Based on an early 1980’s California law, CST believed the 1957 restriction was no longer
applicable and valid and that the School should receive fair market value for the property.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. Today’s 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.

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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, and
Doctor of Philosophy degrees in religion and practical theology.

Claremont School of Theology | 1325 N. College Ave. | Claremont, CA 91711 | www.cst.edu