August 21, 2025
The New York Supreme Court has made a significant ruling, requiring the City University of New York (CUNY) to disclose its endowment records following a public records request initiated by a law student last year. This decision underscores the importance of transparency in public institutions.
In the previous year, Sarah Southey, a law student at CUNY and an advocate for pro-Palestinian causes, submitted a request for information regarding the university’s investment holdings and its contracts with specific vendors. This request emerged during a period when pro-Palestinian student organizations were urging universities to divest from Israel and from companies associated with it, citing concerns over human rights violations in Gaza. Initially, CUNY denied the request, claiming a trade secrets exemption. In response, Southey filed a lawsuit challenging this denial.
Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Southey, compelling CUNY to release the requested documents. This ruling is a pivotal moment for advocates of transparency in higher education.
As a result of the court’s decision, CUNY is now obligated to provide detailed reports on its investment strategies, policies, and contracts with 30 prominent corporations, including well-known entities such as Boeing and Dell.
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which represented Southey in her legal battle, announced the court’s decision in a recent press release. The ruling emphasizes the necessity for public universities to maintain transparency and uphold the rights of all students, regardless of their perspectives.
“The Court rightly affirmed that CUNY’s refusal to disclose its investment records was unlawful,” stated NYCLU staff attorney Veronica Salama. “Public universities have a legal duty to ensure transparency and treat all students, faculty, and community members equitably, irrespective of their viewpoints. CUNY cannot selectively respect certain viewpoints while disregarding others—every student deserves equal treatment.”
CUNY has not yet provided a response to inquiries from the media regarding this ruling.
In light of this ruling, it is crucial for educational institutions to reflect on their policies regarding transparency and accountability, ensuring that they serve the interests of all stakeholders involved.