When a museum, university, or other
institution takes a donation in return for naming rights, later that name may
no longer be considered “suitable.” Divesting oneself from a problematic donor
who has a named arena, museum, or other facility is fraught with complications.
Oftentimes contractual obligations are in conflict with no longer wanting to be
associated with a disgraced individual. The facility’s name itself may even be
the issue when the name is no longer appropriate for other reasons. This panel
discusses legal and logistical issues confronting museums and other entities
who find themselves bearing an undesirable name.
The Section held a virtual business meeting prior to the Annual Meeting.