March 20, 2026
To OSI’s supporters and affiliates:
A dispute has developed between Objective Standard Institute (OSI) and Carl Barney, who previously supported OSI and spoke at two of our conferences.
Mr. Barney is now asserting that he has the right to own or control funds that were donated to OSI through his trust and an affiliated organization. We believe that Mr. Barney’s claims are inconsistent with federal and state tax law and with California laws governing nonprofits’ use of donated funds. OSI has asserted in litigation with Mr. Barney that the governing documents and the facts show that these funds are assets of OSI under the authority of its board.
OSI will defend its right to retain and use these funds as donated for its mission of promoting the principles of Objectivism and rational philosophy. OSI has defeated Mr. Barney’s attempt to remove OSI’s claims to federal court, and the state court has now denied Mr. Barney’s effort to obtain a temporary restraining order against OSI. But because this matter is now in litigation, we will address it through the legal process rather than engage in public debate.
OSI is confident that the legal process will clarify the facts. In the meantime, we remain focused on teaching the rising generation about philosophy for freedom and flourishing.
Thank you for your continued support of our work.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Objective Standard Institute