Bennett College Engages in Legal Battle Over Trademark Dispute with Alumnae Association
In a twist of events, Bennett College, the historic all-female HBCU in Greensboro, is caught in a legal tussle with its own alumnae association. The college has initiated a federal complaint against the Bennett College National Alumnae Association (BCNAA) for allegedly unauthorized use of its trademarks and name.
Bennett College argues that this unauthorized usage could jeopardize its accreditation and create confusion among its stakeholders, particularly donors and the broader public. The institution is not only seeking to halt the alumnae association’s activities but is also demanding substantial punitive damages.
Background to the Lawsuit
Established in 1948, the BCNAA has had a longstanding relationship with Bennett College, including representation on its Board of Trustees. However, tensions arose in 2022 following an embezzlement scandal involving Bennett’s former director of alumnae affairs, who misappropriated over $185,000 from both the College and the alumnae association. After pressing charges, the individual, Audrey Franklin, admitted guilt to multiple felony embezzlement charges.
Bennett College says the BCNAA opted against pursuing charges for the funds allegedly taken from them and did not assist in the investigation.
At the time, Bennett College was grappling with accreditation challenges after losing its status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in 2019 due to financial instability concerns. Despite raising over $8 million in a fundraising effort, the institution could not assure long-term fiscal stability.
The college decided to end its affiliation with the BCNAA over the handling of the embezzlement issue. It prohibited the association from using its name, logo, and other trademarks. “Loss of accreditation would have been a virtual death knell for the College due to the severe negative impacts on enrollment, fundraising, and the loss of access to federal financial aid it would have entailed,” the complaint states.
Current Concerns and Legal Claims
Bennett College claims the BCNAA’s continued use of its trademarks for fundraising and events poses a risk to its accreditation with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Allegedly, the BCNAA’s activities are causing confusion among donors by competing with the college’s alumnae department.
“(Bennett College) must demonstrate to its accreditor TRACS that it maintains adequate oversight of affiliated corporate entities and auxiliary services,” the complaint reads.
Efforts to redefine the relationship between Bennett College and the BCNAA have failed, with the college issuing cease and desist letters demanding the association cease using its name and imagery resembling the college’s seal. The BCNAA claims ownership rights, which has not been confirmed by the association as they did not respond to request for comments.
“Bennett College has filed a federal complaint to protect its name and trademarks,” said Chair Cassandra Jones Havard. “We remain focused on our students and will not comment further on pending litigation.”
The college is seeking both punitive damages and attorney’s fees from the alumnae association, including “all profits realized” by the BCNAA, and is requesting the court to impose a “treble damage” charge, potentially tripling any awarded damages. The financial repercussions will ultimately be determined during the trial.
“(The Bennett College National Alumnae Association’s) conduct has and continues to cause irreparable injury to (Bennett College) and to its business, reputation and goodwill,” the complaint reads. “Unless said conduct is restrained by this Court, (it) will continue to cause irreparable injury.”
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