Following recent federal allegations, Temple University has ended its partnership with donor Barnett and his firm, ABA Centers of America. The decision follows Barnett's resignation from the university's Board of Trustees.
The $20 million Florida estate and luxury lifestyle
Federal investigators are accusing Barnett of orchestrating a scheme to fraudulently bill federal and private healthcare programs for services provided to autistic children. According to the report, these funds allegedly financed a lavish lifestyle for Barnett, including the purchase of luxury cars, a private jet, and a $20 million estate in Florida.
The investgation into ABA Centers of America also involves two other companies under Barnett's control and several high-level executives. Beyond the financial allegations, a former employee has described Barnett as a hostile employer who used fear to ensure compliance from his staff.
The naming of Temple's College of Public Health
The termination of the agreement affects what was intended to be the largest gift in the history of Temple University. This massive donation, which was originally announced in October 2025, included the naming of the university's College of Public Health.
This controversy highlights a growing tension in higher education between the need for massive philanthropic injections and the necessity of rigorous donor vetting. While the naming of the college currently remains in place,the decision has sparked significant tension within the campus community. Students, including April Harwood, have publicly questioned whether the university can continue to invest in a college associated with such controversial funding.
A record $159 million raised in fiscal year 2026
Temple University appears to be maintaining financial stability despite the loss of the Barnett donation. As reported by the source, the university reported raising a record $159 million during fiscal year 2026, and the College of Public Health remains one of its strongest units.
Temple President John Fry noted that no formal charges have been filed against Barnett at this time. Furthermore , the report says that no payments had yet become due under the original gift agreement,which may have mitigated the immediate financial impact on the institution.
Will the College of Public Health retain its name?
Several critical questions remain regarding the long-term branding of the College of Public Health. It is currently unverified whether the university will face mounting pressure to strip the name if the federal investigation leads to criminal indictments or further evidence of misconduct.
Additionally, the legal battle is far from over, as Barnett has denied the allegations and stated his intention to defend himself. The university must now decide how to manage the optics of a named college while the federal government continues its scrutiny of the underlying business practices of ABA Centers of America.
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