Ross Medical Education Center has faced several lawsuits over the years, alleging various legal violations, including:
Misrepresentation and Deceptive Practices:
In 2011, a class action lawsuit was filed against Ross Medical Education Center alleging that the school misrepresented the job placement rates for its graduates and engaged in deceptive marketing practices. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that they were misled by Ross’s claims about the ease of finding a job after graduation and that the school’s actual job placement rates were much lower than advertised. The lawsuit was settled in 2014, with Ross agreeing to pay $1.5 million to the plaintiffs and to change its marketing practices.
Accreditation Issues:
In 2015, Ross Medical Education Center was placed on probation by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) for failing to meet certain accreditation standards. The ABHES cited Ross for issues with its admissions policies, financial aid practices, and student services. Ross was able to regain its accreditation in 2016 after addressing the ABHES’s concerns.
Student Loan Deceptive Practices:
In 2018, the Department of Education (ED) fined Ross Medical Education Center $165,000 for violating the Higher Education Act’s borrower defense to repayment rules. The ED found that Ross had engaged in deceptive practices, such as failing to disclose important information about its programs and job placement rates, that had led students to take out student loans that they were unable to repay.
Unfair Labor Practices:
In 2020, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found that Ross Medical Education Center had engaged in unfair labor practices by retaliating against employees who engaged in union organizing activities. The NLRB ordered Ross to reinstate the employees who had been fired or disciplined and to bargain with the union that the employees had formed.
Allegations of Discrimination:
In 2023, several former Ross Medical Education Center students filed complaints with the Department of Education alleging that the school had discriminated against them on the basis of race and ethnicity. The students claimed that they were subjected to racial slurs, were denied access to certain programs and resources, and were treated differently than white students. The ED is currently investigating the students’ complaints.
Impact of the Lawsuits:
The lawsuits against Ross Medical Education Center have had a significant impact on the school, including:
-
Financial penalties: The school has been forced to pay millions of dollars in fines and settlements as a result of the lawsuits.
-
Damage to reputation: The lawsuits have damaged Ross’s reputation and made it difficult for the school to attract new students.
-
Regulatory scrutiny: The school has been placed under increased scrutiny by regulatory agencies, such as the ABHES and the ED.
-
Changes to business practices: The school has been forced to change its business practices to comply with the law and avoid future lawsuits.
Recommendations for Prospective Students:
If you are considering attending Ross Medical Education Center, you should be aware of the allegations that have been made against the school. You should also do your research and compare Ross to other schools that offer similar programs.
