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University of Louisville Reconciles With Papa John’s Founder John Schnatter

The shift signals a new posture under President Gerry Bradley’s Forward Together agenda.

Overview

  • The University of Louisville said it has reconciled with John Schnatter and is exploring ways for him to re‑engage with the school, without sharing details.
  • President Gerry Bradley said new facts since 2018 changed the university’s understanding and that it would have handled the split differently.
  • He tied the outreach to his Forward Together agenda and said any future work with Schnatter should benefit students, faculty, and Louisville.
  • In 2018, Schnatter admitted using a racial slur, resigned from UofL’s board, and the school removed the Papa John’s stadium name, later finalizing a settlement to end the naming‑rights deal.
  • Schnatter, an alumnus and major donor, helped fund the football stadium and launched the John H. Schnatter Center for Free Enterprise.