LDS Church Gives $4MM To University of Utah Law School

[Joe Public]

The LDS church gave $4 million to the law school at the University of Utah to help fund the construction of a new building to house the school:

http://www.deseretnews.com/m/article/865555628

That is a significant sum, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the approximately $60 million the school needs to raise for the project. I think it's a nice gesture toward the local school and toward the community.

However, this act also hits some of the hot-button issues that are frequently discussed here and elsewhere. Is the use of funds consistent with the charitable purposes of the church? Is the money from non-tithing sources, and is that distinction meaningful? Will the tables now be turned, with Utes thanking Cougars for subsidizing their schooling?

[Pheidippides]

The LDS church gave $4 million to the law school at the University of Utah to help fund the construction of a new building to house the school:

http://www.deseretnews.com/m/article/865555628

That is a significant sum, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the approximately $60 million the school needs to raise for the project. I think it's a nice gesture toward the local school and toward the community.

However, this act also hits some of the hot-button issues that are frequently discussed here and elsewhere. Is the use of funds consistent with the charitable purposes of the church? Is the money from non-tithing sources, and is that distinction meaningful? Will the tables now be turned, with Utes thanking Cougars for subsidizing their schooling?

I think it is definitely in the church's best interest for the U of U to be a good and vibrant school, both as a competitor to BYU and as the prime state school.

[creekster]

Should these funds have gone to the poor (as opposed to those who merely chose poorly)?

[falafel]

A new building has been sorely needed. I, for one, am glad to hear of the Church's contribution.

[Indy Coug]

<Insert church and state reference here>

[Sullyute]

A new building has been sorely needed. I, for one, am glad to hear of the Church's contribution.

Thanks for taking the high road, unlike some simians on this board.

[All-American]

Should these funds have gone to the poor (as opposed to those who merely chose poorly)?

As a soon-to-be law school grad, I can confirm that there is no distinction.

[LiveCoug]

Ridiculous. Starving people everywhere and they are giving money to build some nice digs for future lawyers. Awful.

[Clark Addison]

I think I will start writing "Not to be used for the University of Utah!!!" on the bottom of my tithing slips.

[Moliere]

:speechless:

At least this donation can be considered humanitarian aid

[Sullyute]

Ridiculous. Starving people everywhere and they are giving money to build some nice digs for future lawyers General Authorities. Awful.

FIFY.

[Portland Ute]

I'm not really sure how this fits into the mission of the Church.

As a U. alum, I am appreciative that any entity or person donates money to my alma mater, but when I saw this a couple of days ago, I honestly, though, "Heh.....weird."

[Jeff Lebowski]

That is messed up.

[TripletDaddy]

Wait until Kal and Stanford hear about this.

[LA Ute]

Back in about 1980 the church gave $1 million for the construction of the then-new Primary Children's Medical Center. A very different charitable element there, of course. Anyway, as an alum of the U. law school, I think this donation is excellent, wise and generous. Indeed, it is beyond reproach.

Seriously, the new building will be beautiful and a Salt Lake landmark, right on the corner of University Street and 400 South, where Carlson Hall is now located. Maybe the church saw the need to be a part of that and to maintain ties to the U.

Maybe the Brethren will help with a future RES expansion too. How does Rice-Eccles-Monson Stadium sound?