EDITORS' CORNER
Key Takeaways
- The Federal Trade Commission has dismissed its complaint against Grand Canyon University, ending all legal complaints initiated by the Biden administration.
- GCU President Brian Mueller argues the accusations were part of a coordinated effort by the Biden administration to undermine the Christian university.
- The dismissal follows the revocation of a $37.7 million fine by the Department of Education and a victory for GCU in a related court case.
The Federal Trade Commission has dismissed its lawsuit against Grand Canyon University, effectively ending all of the legal Biden Administration allegations and complaints against the Christian university.
The commission’s unanimous mid-August vote to toss the case came three months after the U.S. Department of Education revoked a $37.7 million fine proposed against it by the Biden administration.
The Arizona-based institution stated in a news release its leaders believe all the allegations were a coordinated effort by former officials within the Biden Administration to “undermine a thriving Christian university.”
“This was not about protecting students and went well beyond normal regulatory activity,” GCU President Brian Mueller stated. “The language used by these officials, the record fines they sought, and the baseless accusations they made all point to a broader ideological agenda.”
“They threw everything they had at us for four years, and yet, despite every unjust accusation leveled against us, we have not only survived but have continued to thrive as a university,” Mueller stated. “That is a testament, first and foremost, to the strength and dedication of our faculty, staff, students and their families. Above all, it speaks to our unwavering belief that the truth would ultimately prevail.”
The Biden-era complaints against GCU, the largest Christian university in the nation, had largely centered on allegations it misrepresented the cost and duration of its doctoral programs and engaged in deceptive marketing practices.
According to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, the government’s fight was a lost cause.
“This case, which we inherited from the previous administration, was filed nearly two years ago and has suffered losses in two motions to dismiss,” Ferguson said in a statement. “These losses are compounded by recent events: Grand Canyon secured a victory over the Department of Education in a related matter before the Ninth Circuit; the Department of Education rescinded a massive fine levied on related grounds; and the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that Grand Canyon University is properly claiming 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation designation.”
In May, the Education Department stated it found no evidence that GCU violated Title IV requirements, including the Biden-era allegation that the school had “substantially misrepresented” the cost of its doctoral programs.
MORE: Biden administration targets largest Christian university in U.S., fines it $37.7M
