Keiser University Lawsuit: Understanding the Facts and Implications
In recent years, Keiser University has been embroiled in a series of lawsuits that have put the institution under a microscope. The lawsuits have had far-reaching consequences for the university, its students, and the education industry as a whole. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Keiser University lawsuit, including the key facts, legal issues, and implications for higher education.
Keiser University Lawsuit
Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields. Founded in 1977 by Arthur and Evelyn Keiser, the university has grown to become one of the largest private universities in Florida. However, the institution has recently been hit by a series of lawsuits that have raised serious questions about its practices and policies.
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Keiser University: An Overview
Before we delve into the lawsuits, let’s take a closer look at Keiser University. The institution is known for its career-focused programs, which are designed to prepare students for the job market. The university has a total enrollment of over 20,000 students, with campuses in 18 locations across Florida. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by the US Department of Education.
The Lawsuits against Keiser University
Keiser University has faced three major lawsuits in recent years. Let’s take a closer look at each of these lawsuits and the allegations made against the institution.
Lawsuit #1: False Claims Act Allegations
In 2012, a former employee of Keiser University filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act. The lawsuit alleged that the university had violated federal regulations by paying incentives to admissions recruiters based on the number of students they enrolled. The lawsuit also alleged that the university had submitted false claims to the government for student financial aid. In 2018, the university agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle the lawsuit.
Lawsuit #2: Wage and Hour Dispute
In 2018, a group of former Keiser University employees filed a class-action lawsuit against the institution. The lawsuit alleged that the university had violated federal labor laws by failing to pay overtime wages to its admissions counselors. The plaintiffs also alleged that the university had misclassified admissions counselors as exempt from overtime pay. The case is still ongoing.
Lawsuit #3: Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
In 2020, a former Keiser University professor filed a lawsuit against the institution, alleging that she had been sexually harassed by a male colleague and retaliated against for reporting the harassment. The lawsuit also alleged that the university had failed to take adequate steps to address the harassment and retaliation. The case is still ongoing.
Implications for Higher Education
The lawsuits against Keiser University have raised serious questions about the practices and policies of for-profit institutions. Critics of for-profit universities have long argued that these institutions prioritize profits over students, and the lawsuits against Keiser University seem to support this argument. The lawsuits have also highlighted the need for stricter regulations and oversight of for-profit universities, particularly in areas such as recruitment, financial aid, and labor practices.
Conclusion
The Keiser University lawsuits have shed light on some of the challenges facing for-profit institutions in the US. The lawsuits have highlighted the need for greater transparency and
accountability in the higher education industry, as well as the need for stricter regulations and oversight. These lawsuits also serve as a reminder to students to do their due diligence before enrolling in any institution, and to carefully review the policies and practices of any university they are considering attending.
FAQs
What is the False Claims Act?
The False Claims Act is a federal law that prohibits individuals and companies from submitting false or fraudulent claims to the government.
What are the implications of the False Claims Act allegations against Keiser University?
The allegations against Keiser University under the False Claims Act had serious implications for the institution, including a $2.5 million settlement and damage to the institution’s reputation.
What is the wage and hour dispute lawsuit against Keiser University about?
The wage and hour dispute lawsuit alleges that Keiser University violated federal labor laws by failing to pay overtime wages to its admissions counselors.
How can students protect themselves when considering attending a for-profit university?
Students can protect themselves by carefully researching the policies and practices of any university they are considering attending, including reviews and testimonials from current and former students.
What are the long-term implications of the lawsuits against Keiser University for the higher education industry?
The lawsuits against Keiser University highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight of for-profit universities, and may serve as a catalyst for reform in the higher education industry as a whole.