Oberlin College “has initiated payment in full of the $36.59 million judgment in the Gibson’s Bakery case”

WILLIAM A. JACOBSON SEP 8, 2022 1:56 PM

It looks like the Gibson family’s long struggle with Oberlin College is over, and the college will pay the judgment it has been fighting for years. Unfortunately, David Gibson (featured image) and “Grandpa” Allyn Gibson did not live to see it, having passed away after the trial verdict.

We have covered this case since the November 2016 protests, through the trial (the only national outlet with a reporter in the courtroom every single trial day), through the appeals, and now what appears to be the end. It was not always easy covering this case, at one point Oberlin College tried to subpoena OUR records, After legal challenge, Oberlin College withdraws subpoena seeking our journalist communications.

I just received the following email from Scott Wargo, Director of Communications at Oberlin College:

Oberlin College initiates payment of awarded damages in Gibson’s Bakery caseOberlin College and Conservatory has initiated payment in full of the $36.59 million judgment in the Gibson’s Bakery case and is awaiting payment information from the plaintiffs. This amount represents awarded damages and accumulated interest, and therefore no further payments are required.On August 30, the Ohio Supreme Court issued its decision not to hear Oberlin’s appeal. Oberlin’s Board of Trustees has decided not to pursue the matter further.We are disappointed by the Court’s decision. However, this does not diminish our respect for the law and the integrity of our legal system.This matter has been painful for everyone. We hope that the end of the litigation will begin the healing of our entire community.We value our relationship with the City of Oberlin, and we look forward to continuing our support of and partnership with local businesses as we work together to help our city thrive.Oberlin’s core mission is to provide our students with a distinctive and outstanding undergraduate education. The size of this verdict is significant. However, our careful financial planning, which includes insurance coverage, means that we can satisfy our legal obligation without impacting our academic and student experience. It is our belief that the way forward is to continue to support and strengthen the quality of education for our students now and into the future.

Notice what is not in the statement: An apology. Oberlin College still appears not to understand or accept what it did wrong. It considers itself the victim.

(added) There also was no apology, instead a dismissive attitude, in a mass email sent by the president of the college (emphasis added):

Dear Obies,Today, Oberlin College and Conservatory initiated payment in full of the $36.59 million judgment in the Gibson’s Bakery case, an amount that represents the awarded damages and interest owed. Please see the college’s public statement below.While this outcome is a disappointment, our financial plans for this possibility, which included insurance coverage, mean that this payment will not impact or diminish our academic or student life experience, or require us to draw down Oberlin’s endowment.Like me, the majority of the campus was not here at the beginning of this matter in 2016. But it is also true that this case has been difficult for all of us who love this institution and its hometown. I am looking forward to all that is ahead, and remain focused on Oberlin’s core mission of providing a truly excellent liberal arts and musical education.Carmen Twillie AmbarPresident

Just the cost of doing business is the message from the president of Oberlin College. Considering how she led the campaign to smear the Gibson’s as racist post-trial, that is not surprising.

This is not new. On December 13, 2017 [not a typo, yes, 2017], when Oberlin College filed its Answer in the case, I wrote Oberlin College lashes out at Gibson’s Bakery, portrays itself as victim:

Thus, Oberlin and Raimondo seek to portray the College as the victim in this scenario, including the confessed shoplifters. I can’t imagine, based on what is publicly available, this will work.

It didn’t work. What Oberlin College appears to have lacked from the start was a level-head, and a disinterested ability to evaluate both the case and the defenses. Viciously attacking the Gibsons in the case never was going to work, yet it was the tactic pursued by the college through the trial and post-trial proceedings.

We have reached out to the Gibson Family’s attorneys for comment, and will run their statement when received.

UPDATE

I just received the following statement from Owen Rarric, one the Gibson’s trial counsel:

We are happy to hear that full payment on the judgment is forthcoming, allowing the 137-year-old Gibson’s Bakery to move forward continuing to serve its community.  David Gibson was always hopeful that the family bakery’s relationship with Oberlin College could one day be restored. Though he was not able to see that day come to pass, his widow Lorna Gibson continues to say: “Oberlin College faculty, staff, and students have always been, and will always be, welcome in our store.” To that end, Lorna is willing to meet with President Ambar and her senior staff to discuss resumption of a long-term relationship whenever the College feels appropriate

[Featured Image: David Gibson hugs grandson after punitive damages verdict][Photo credit Bob Perkoski for Legal Insurrection Foundation]

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