From Sfchronicle · · 1m
Supreme Court Upholds Law School Name Change
U.S. Supreme Court lets S.F. law school keep name change after 148-year dispute.
In brief
U.S. Supreme Court lets S.F. law school keep name change after 148-year dispute. U.S. Supreme Court denied review of case allowing San Francisco's law school to retain its new name after 148-year dispute over Serranus C. Hastings' legacy. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Supreme Court Ruling
U.S. Supreme Court denied review of case allowing San Francisco's law school to retain its new name after 148-year dispute.
Historical Name Change
Law school founded in 1878 as Hastings College of the Law with $100,000 state funding commitment.
Legal Challenge
Six descendants and alumni sued state over $1.7 billion claim for breach of 1878 naming agreement.
Court Ruling
2024 superior court ruled 1878 law was not binding contract but ordinary law that could be repealed.
Legal Arguments
Law school claimed Hastings funded genocide of Native Californians; descendants argued state violated binding contract.
Case Outcome
U.S. Supreme Court upheld California's 2023 name change to UC College of the Law San Francisco.
The bottom line
U.S. Supreme Court denied review of case allowing San Francisco's law school to retain its new name after 148-year dispute over Serranus C. Hastings' legacy.
