AURORA, NY (607NewsNow) – The proposed sale of Wells College is receiving pushback in court.

According to The Auburn Citizen, both the Cayuga Nation and a losing bidder involved in the initial sale process are asking a judge to block the agreement.

The Wells Board of Trustees announced a $12.5 million deal with the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge in January. The Cayuga Nation is questioning the institute’s financing and objecting to alleged plans that would see just 20% of the campus used for an indigenous college, with the rest slated for commercial development.

Earlier this month, a group of alumni pleaded with the Wells Board to keep historic items in the region, arguing the Hiawatha Institute’s $12.5 million purchase agreement is enough to cover the school’s endowment debt. Rare books, art, and off-campus properties have been put up for auction. Wells has reportedly already sold some through Christie’s Auction House, including a 1704 first edition of Isaac Newton’s book “Opticks.”