Robert J.
01-26-2005, 01:58 AM
Degreeboard.com Asks:
3. The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, headed by Alan Contreras, had
listed Kennedy Western as a "diploma mill" for several years,
A lawsuit was filed to essentially stop this practice and a settlement was
reached. Was this a win for Kennedy Western? Did you get what you wanted?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
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.
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.
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. In fact,
legislation we proposed in 2004 was used to shut down at least one diploma mill in
Wyoming last summer.
Degreeboard.com Asks:
4. Opponents of Kennedy Western have always cited the fact you cannot or
will not enroll students residing in California, yet your offices are
located in California, why can't or won't you enroll students residing in California ?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
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.
3. The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, headed by Alan Contreras, had
listed Kennedy Western as a "diploma mill" for several years,
A lawsuit was filed to essentially stop this practice and a settlement was
reached. Was this a win for Kennedy Western? Did you get what you wanted?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
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.
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.
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. In fact,
legislation we proposed in 2004 was used to shut down at least one diploma mill in
Wyoming last summer.
Degreeboard.com Asks:
4. Opponents of Kennedy Western have always cited the fact you cannot or
will not enroll students residing in California, yet your offices are
located in California, why can't or won't you enroll students residing in California ?
Mr. David Gering Responds:
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.