Rutgers Trustees May Be Unable to Stop Merger

A legal analysis of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's proposed higher education reorganization finds one of the most vocal opponents -- Rutgers University's Board of Trustees -- may be powerless to block a merger between the Camden campus and Rowan University.

The document disputes the trustees' claim of control over the Camden campus's land. The 27-page analysis was obtained by The Associated Press.

The memo prepared by DeCotiis, FitzPatrick & Cole of Teaneck for Cooper Health System challenges the board's contention that it owns 1.7 acres of the 30-acre downtown Camden campus.

The university's two governing boards may vote Wednesday on a statement opposing the deal.

A bill introduced in the Senate on Monday separates the Camden campus from the Rutgers system and creates a joint governing board with Rowan.

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