No Halo News · Sourced development
Temple said trustee’s departure and cancellation of $55 million pledge were mutual amid investigation involving his company
Christopher Barnett resigned from Temple University’s board, and a planned $55 million gift was canceled before any installments were paid. Temple said Barnett had experienced a life-threatening medical event, had cooperated with the university and mutually agreed to end the pledge while his company was under a fraud investigation. Barnett denied the allegations.
Status matters. This page records a sourced development, not a completed No Halo investigation. An allegation is not a finding. Dismissals, settlements, judgments, corrections and final outcomes remain distinct.
Donor relevance
Why this matters
The canceled pledge was expected to be the largest gift in Temple’s history and was intended to support research, academic programs, scholarships and a student basic-needs center. The matter also removed a major donor from the governing board.
Attribution
Who reported or established this
Temple Update reported the resignation and canceled pledge, citing a statement from Temple President John Fry and the board. The university statement identified the investigation involving Barnett’s company; Barnett denied the allegations.
Evidence limits
What remains unverified
No Halo has not established the merits, scope or status of allegations involving Barnett or his company. No Halo has not determined whether Temple incurred costs in anticipation of the unpaid pledge or whether replacement funding is available.
Right of reply
Organization response
Temple said the pledge termination was mutual, Barnett cooperated with the university and he stepped down after a life-threatening medical event. The university declined an additional comment request, and Barnett denied the allegations.
Classification
How No Halo records this event
Event type: Fundraising Event. Current state: Reported. No Halo preserves the current procedural state rather than treating every mention as a finding.
Published September 28, 2026 · Last verified September 30, 2026. See an error or a later outcome? Submit a correction or right of reply.