KWU Questions #3 and #4 Discussions

[Robert J.]

Use this thread to comment on the responses to questions #3 and #4.

[Robert J.]

This thread is open for business...

[plcscott]

The premise of the question needs clarification. The lawsuit that Kennedy-Western University filed in federal district court was strictly focused on our allegation that Oregon statutes are unconstitutional, in that they deny free speech and due process, as well as hinder interstate commerce. The suit itself didn't contain anything pertaining to the term 'diploma mill' nor accreditation. KWU filed the suit on behalf of three alumni whose constitutional rights were being violated by the statute.

The lawsuit wasn't filed or intended to cause the Office of Degree Authorization to change its description of KWU. Still, it is fair and negotiated as a logical extension of the nature of the settlement. The changed designation was stipulated by the settlement, and thus not by virtue of any other changes at the ODA.

Why not? So, KWU was concerned about the constitutional rights of three alumni, but was not out to change the description of KWU as a diploma mill? That is pretty freakin unbelievable, but explains why KWU simply ignored all concerned students/alumni for a long time when KWU was being called a diploma mill at the senate hearings and in the national news media.

Having said this, the settlement is an unqualified victory for KWU and we are indeed satisfied that we achieved our objectives. The settlement precludes Oregon officials from making disparaging comments about KWU and from promoting its statutes as a model for other states to emulate.

In agreeing to the settlement, the state agrees to suspend enforcement of its
existing statutes and work toward amending them. The state also agreed it must have input from KWU to best formulate revisions that will serve the state's interests while serving the needs of its citizens. So, KWU is pleased that the agreement stipulates we will work with the state Attorney General's office to develop the amendments.

I agree it was a victory for KWU. Once again rather than step up and meet standard requirements KWU chose to find a way around them. Would it not have shown more integrity and gave more credibility to KWU if you would have paid the $250 application fee for approval in Oregon? If the ODA would not have treated KWU fairly then KWU could have exposed the ODA. Is KWU so concerned with constitutional rights, but not concerned with it's reputation as a degree mill or a substandard school?

IMO if KWU could have met the requirements for approval in either Oregon or California it should have done so. If the requirements were unfair then KWU should have sued to change them, shut them down, or at least expose them. However, with the route taken, KWU looks even more inferior to me.

By the way, this is only another example of how KWU has repeatedly worked with state government to better define and tighten requirements for private universities. In contrast with others' advocacy efforts that typically seek to lower requirements in any field, KWU has always sought to do the opposite, and the University has a 10-year track record for doing so in Wyoming, where we are licensed.

Yes, KWU is very involved with Wyoming politics, and even sponsors such things as teacher of the year award :rolleyes: , and probably other pet projects of important people. Besides bond requirements and the like what has KWU advocated WY change that would affect the academic oversight of its degree granting institutions?

In fact, legislation we proposed in 2004 was used to shut down at least one diploma mill in Wyoming last summer.

Taking <Snip by Robert J.> ;)

[plcscott]

When the University was founded, we were able to accept California students. In 1989, the California legislature passed a law that created licensing requirements that would require so much change to our educational model that it would have prevented KWU from providing our students with the degree programs they want. Given this, the University's academic headquarters voluntarily left the state in 1989, which, according to new state law, meant we could no longer accept students residing in the state.

Wow, you know when codes, statutes, or laws are changed that affect most businesses they have to change with them, but rather than comply KWU chooses to install wheels on their license to grant degrees? California no longer works, so lets truck on over to Hawaii, now on to Idaho, here we are Wyoming. What if Wyoming wants to change KWU's educational (business) model?

[michael]

The settlement precludes Oregon officials from making disparaging comments about KWU and from promoting its statutes as a model for other states to emulate.

According to Oregon officals, this is not a true statement.

[plcscott]

According to Oregon officals, this is not a true statement.

Yes, apparently there has been some kind of miscommunication as to outcome of the settlement. Alan C. seems to think he/the ODA can say anything he wants about KWU, and KWU seems to think they are going to write the new legislation. The future will be interesting. :p