Policy on the Removal of Naming

This Policy establishes the circumstances and procedures, pursuant to which individuals’ names or representations (“Naming”) may be removed from buildings, schools, spaces, programs, chairs, professorships, fellowships, or scholarships at New York University (the “University”). The Board of Trustees (the “Board”), herein affirms its governing authority over University Naming, including the removal of Naming; and maintains such authority in extraordinary circumstances where there may be a reputational risk to the University as set forth in Section 1(a) below. 

The Board also herein delegates certain of its authority over University Naming, including removal of Naming, to the Senior Vice President of University Development and Alumni Relations (“SVP UDAR”) together with the other relevant University personnel identified in this Policy. 

This Policy applies to all schools, institutes, administrative units, global academic centers, and affiliates of the University, except where a school or unit that is a legally separate entity and/or has a formally constituted board has its own relevant policies or formal practices consistent with the provisions herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the expectation of the University that such schools or units will consult with the NYU Board Chair and University President prior to any removal of naming.  As contemplated in this Policy, the legally separate entities and/or units with a formally constituted board, include NYU Shanghai, NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU Langone Health, and NYU School of Law Foundation.

1. Circumstances for Removal/Revocation of Naming.  The University may remove or revoke Naming under any of the following circumstances:

a) In the extremely rare circumstance where a donor’s actions are found to be outside the bounds of acceptable conduct, which may include conviction of a felony or engaging in other acts of moral turpitude or serious ethical violations, such that continued use of the name of the donor is damaging to the interests of the University and its reputation. An assessment for removal or revocation pursuant to this 1(a) shall include consideration of the prevailing societal norms in place at the time of the gift; 

b) if a pledge obligation is not completely fulfilled; 

c) if requested by the donor; or

d) in the case of changed circumstances where such a change renders the use of the gift associated with Naming impossible, impracticable, unlawful, or wasteful (e.g., a named program is discontinued).

2. Approval Procedures. The procedures described in this Section 2, shall apply to revocation or removal of Naming.  

a) In the case of a removal or revocation pursuant to Section 1(a) above, the decision to remove the name will be subject to approval of the Board or the Executive Committee (after consultation with the appropriate Dean or unit Director). Such approval shall require a two-thirds vote of those present at a duly called meeting with a quorum present, including the approval of the Board Chair. 

If the removal or revocation pertains to Naming at a school or unit that is a legally separate entity and/or has a formally constituted board, it is also expected that there is a prior approval of the respective board or its executive committee.  Subject to applicable law, such approval should be by a two-thirds vote of those present at a duly called meeting with a quorum present, and include approval of the respective Vice Chancellor of such entity or Chair of such board (after consultation with the appropriate Dean, where applicable).

b) In the case of a removal or revocation pursuant to Sections 1(b) or (c) above, the SVP UDAR, with the approval of the Board Chair, President, and appropriate Dean or unit Director, may remove Naming.  The approval of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Budget & Chief Financial Officer shall also be required for removals or revocations pursuant to Section 1(b).

If the removal or revocation pertains to Naming at a school or unit that is a legally separate entity and/or has a formally constituted board, any decision will be subject to full consultation with the respective Vice Chancellor of such entity or Chair of such board; and Dean of such school or unit, as appropriate.

c) In the case of a removal or revocation pursuant to Section (1)(d) above, reasonable efforts will be made to consult with the donor to determine an appropriate way to modify the original Naming.  If that is not possible or practical, the SVP UDAR, with the approval of the Board Chair, President, and appropriate Dean or unit Director, may remove Naming. 

If the removal or revocation pertains to Naming at a school or unit that is a legally separate entity and/or has a formally constituted board, any decision is subject to full consultation with the respective Vice Chancellor of such entity or Chair of such board and the Dean of such school or unit, as appropriate.   

d) In the case of Naming that is not in connection with a gift, the removal or revocation of Naming is at the University’s sole discretion. Accordingly, the SVP UDAR, with the approval of the Board Chair, President, and appropriate Dean or unit Director, may remove such Naming.

If the removal or revocation pertains to Naming at a school or unit that is a legally separate entity and/or has a formally constituted board, any decision is subject to full consultation with the respective Vice Chancellor of such entity or Chair of such board; and Dean of such school or unit, as appropriate.   

3. Communication with Donor.  In all instances relating to the removal or revocation of Naming as contemplated herein, reasonable efforts shall be made to inform the donor or the donor’s heirs in advance of any consideration of removal or revocation.

4. Application of this Policy.  This policy shall apply to any review for the removal or revocation of Naming arising on or after the Effective Date first mentioned above.