Hiwassee Supporters Pack Courtroom
Hiwassee College's Temporary Restraining Order against SACS extended
Accreditation restored until ruling made on change of venue motion by SACS
MADISONVILLE, Tenn. — Hiwassee College received an extension on the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued March 17 by Judge Thomas Varlan of the U.S. District Court in Knoxville against its accrediting body, the Southern Association of 
Colleges and Schools (SACS) and its recent decision to remove the College from membership. The TRO temporarily restores Hiwassee’s membership and accreditation with SACS until further rulings are made on a motion by SACS to change the venue to the Atlanta Federal Court, based on a “forum selection clause” in the Association’s bylaws.
The date of the ruling on the change of venue issue has not yet been determined.
Hiwassee College would like to thank the hundreds of supporters that backed the College with their presence during the March 21 hearing in which the TRO was extended. So many people showed up that the hearing was delayed for 15 minutes to move the proceedings to a larger courtroom that could accommodate such a crowd.
As Hiwassee College continues to move forward with its legal efforts, President James Noseworthy asks for the continued support of alumni, donors, community neighbors and United Methodist supporters. He will continue to keep Hiwassee constituents informed as this process unfolds.
From press release by Kristi Cain, Hiwassee College Office of Church and Public Relations
