Rep. Takano: Trump Administration is Turning Education Department into an Accomplice in For-Profit Fraud

WASHINGTON –  Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif) released the following statement after the Trump administration tapped Julian Schmoke Jr., a former for-profit college executive, to lead the Education Department’s Student Aid Enforcement unit, which is responsible for policing fraudulent and deceptive practices at colleges and universities. Schmoke Jr.’s previous employer, DeVry University, recently reached a $100 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission in response to allegations of deceptive marketing to prospective students.  

 

“By hiring a former for-profit college executive to police for-profit colleges, the Trump administration is turning the Education Department from a defender of students and taxpayers to an accomplice in the fraudulent and predatory practices of for-profit schools. This hire is just the latest indication that President Trump and Secretary DeVos are putting the profit margins of for-profit companies over the interests of students.

 

“The Student Aid Enforcement unit was created to hold colleges accountable for using deception and false promises to recruit students. The irony of hiring an executive from a company that was accused of using predatory tactics to intentionally mislead students will not be lost on anyone, least of all the for-profit industry, which will no longer fear the consequences of its unethical practices.

 

“As a teacher, I have always felt a responsibility to support students who are willing to invest their time and money to build a better future. I am deeply disappointed that the Trump administration does not feel that same responsibility.”