Temple Drops $55M Gift Over Fraud Allegations | Durham News

Temple University has scrapped a $55 million donation from alumnus Christopher Barnett — originally set to rename the College of Public Health — after federal probes surfaced alleging his company defrauded Medicaid by billing for autism services, funding a lavish lifestyle including a $20M estate and private jet. Barnett denies wrongdoing, resigned from the university’s board, and plans to fight the charges. Though no payments were due and no formal charges filed yet, the scandal has cast a shadow over the school’s flagship public health program. Despite this setback, Temple boasts record fundraising last year and remains committed to the college’s future — though the name change is now on hold as stakeholders watch closely. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/87c911db3b9adad4