Covering the business of education and training

I wish I had the option to not pay taxes. By golly, I would fight, too.

connecticut College is one of the most selective private liberal arts college in the nation. They have some 1900 students from 42 states and 41 countries.

And, they don't want to pay taxes. Neither do I.

Connecticut College uses their arena to other events besides athletic meets and P.E. classes. For example - youth hockey leagues and home-show each spring. They also allow public skating on weekends.

The city, for its part, figured these money making activities are not school related and thus taxable - $48,000 worth of taxes.

The college responded with a "No Way! We won't pay!" and the issue went to court. The courts agreed with the college. However, in the end the lawyers charges both sides more than $48,000, no doubt.

The college says it gives back to New London in many ways:

1. Scholarships for its students - let's see, if there are 20 students in the class how much more does it cost the college to put 21 or 22 students in there.

2. Free lectures and exhibits - somebody has to listen to the outdated material that the tenured profs deliver.

3. Public access to their library - okay, how much do library cards cost these days?

4. Community Service by students, faculty and staff - is that kind of like what people do when they get a ticket?

Connecticut College wants to use facilities given to them by the public to make money...not deliver education. Something is wrong with this picture.

What do you think?