Christian university claims Biden administration initiated ‘unfair’ investigations.
A Christian University in Arizona Accuses Biden Administration of Unjust Targeting
A Christian university in Arizona is speaking out against what it believes to be unfair investigations by the Biden administration. Grand Canyon University in Phoenix has accused the Department of Education, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Veterans Affairs of targeting the school due to its tax status, and questions whether religion played a role.
The Background
In 2018, Grand Canyon University transitioned from a for-profit institution to a nonprofit status. Despite this change being recognized by the IRS, the Department of Education still classifies the school as for-profit. The university has filed a lawsuit seeking recognition as a nonprofit institution, as this status would grant them access to various benefits typically reserved for nonprofits.
The Biden administration has made it a priority to oversee for-profit institutions, criticizing them for taking advantage of federal funds while leaving students burdened with debt and limited career prospects. The Department of Education recently implemented the “Gainful Employment” rule to tighten regulations on such schools.
Unjust Investigations
Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller revealed that the school has faced numerous investigations from the three agencies since its tax status switch. These investigations have focused on allegations commonly made against for-profit institutions, such as misrepresentation and inadequate return on investment for graduates.
Mueller expressed frustration with the agencies’ actions, stating that they were essentially “fishing expeditions” without specific accusations. The university successfully defended itself against claims of false advertising regarding its cybersecurity degree program. However, the Department of Education accused the school of misrepresenting the cost of a doctoral program, leading to a potential fine.
Possible Motivations
While the university has received bipartisan support locally, Mueller speculated that the investigations may be influenced by the perception of Grand Canyon University as a conservative Christian institution. However, he acknowledged that the true motivations of the administration remain unknown.
Mueller emphasized that the university has excelled in areas that typically trigger investigations, such as student complaints, default rates, debt amounts, facilities, faculty quality, and graduate employment. Despite this, the school has only been granted one brief meeting with federal officials in the past five years.
Grand Canyon University believes that the agencies are not acting in good faith and suspects an ideological bias behind the investigations. The school has found no evidence to support the need for an investigation and feels unjustly targeted.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Department of Education and the Federal Trade Commission for comment, while the Department of Veterans Affairs declined to comment due to ongoing litigation.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
What specific concerns does Grand Canyon University raise regarding potential religious discrimination in the investigations against them?
Igations
Grand Canyon University argues that it has been unfairly targeted by several government agencies. The Department of Education initiated an investigation into the university’s non-profit status, which the school claims is unnecessary and infringing upon its religious freedoms. The Federal Trade Commission has also launched an investigation into the university’s marketing and advertising practices, questioning the transparency of its tuition rates. The university further accuses the Department of Veterans Affairs of targeting them due to their non-profit status. They claim that the VA has implemented new rules that make it harder for veterans to use their GI Bill benefits at for-profit institutions, including Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University raises concerns about potential religious discrimination playing a role in these investigations. As a Christian university, they believe that their tax status and religious values are being singled out by the Biden administration. They argue that other non-profit educational institutions have not faced the same level of scrutiny and assert that the government’s actions are infringing upon their religious freedom. Furthermore, Grand Canyon University highlights the positive impact it has had on its students and the community. The university emphasizes its commitment to providing quality education rooted in Christian values. They argue that their religious mission should not be used against them and that their non-profit status should be recognized without bias. In response to the ongoing investigations and the refusal of the Department of Education to recognize its non-profit status, Grand Canyon University has filed a lawsuit against the government agencies involved. The lawsuit seeks to establish the university’s rightful classification as a non-profit institution and demands fair treatment and equal protection under the law. The university underscores the importance of this lawsuit not only for its own future but for the protection of religious freedom and equal treatment among educational institutions across the country. Grand Canyon University hopes that the lawsuit will bring attention to the potential targeting of religious institutions by the Biden administration and secure justice for the university and its students. Grand Canyon University’s accusations against the Biden administration and the government agencies investigating them raise important questions about the fair treatment of religious institutions and the potential infringement upon religious freedom. The outcome of the lawsuit filed by the university will have significant implications for not just their future, but for the broader landscape of non-profit and for-profit educational institutions in the United States. It is crucial that the government agencies involved in these investigations approach the issue fairly, without any bias or discrimination based on religious beliefs. The religious freedom and equal treatment of all educational institutions, regardless of their tax status or religious affiliation, should be upheld and protected.Religious Discrimination?
The Lawsuit
Conclusion
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