Correction: In a previous version of this article, an incorrect location was given for Wilson College. It is located in Chambersburg, PA.

Dive Brief:

• The state of Virginia filed a lawsuit this week in an attempt to block the plans of Sweet Briar College officials intent on closing the school this August.
• The lawsuit argues Sweet Briar, a 114-year-old women’s liberal arts college, improperly diverted operational funds to pay for closing the institution. It also claims the college had taken action to assure it could not be kept open under any circumstances. School officials dispute the claims.
• The suit seeks a forced replacement of the college's president and board, and a temporary injunction ordering the college to stay open.

Dive Insight:

The idea of suing to keep a school open worked for Wilson College, based in Chambersburg, PA. In 1979 college leaders voted to close the school but the courts prevented it.

Sweet Briar alumnae have retained their own legal counsel to fight the schools closure. An alumnae pledge drive has raised more than $3 million from those hoping an influx of new donations might keep the college open.

The school has a fairly significant endowment, although much of those funds are restricted and can’t be used to fill budget gaps with which it is struggling.