This is a short update for all following our consumer fraud class action against Career Education Corporation and its Portland culinary school, Western Culinary Institute/Le Cordon Bleu Portland.
We’ve been waiting for a ruling from Judge Baldwin on Career Education Corp’s motion to compel arbitration and to dismiss this long-running class action. Judge Baldwin denied the motion, which is another battle won for consumers and members of the class. I am pleased with the ruling, but there is still far to go.
We’re moving now to complete discovery on the merits of the class’s claims. More news as it happens.
Hi,
I am in Louisiana. I went to the Texas Culinary Academy (CEC). I have just defaulted on several SLM loans. Signing up for Sallie Mae loans was a prerequisite for entry at the school. I was just out of the military and was not informed of my student lending options. I was told it would cost 40,000 dollars. I have had (unbeknownst to me) a total of 7 or more loans taken out in my name from SLM according to my credit report. They total over 113,600 dollars. I was given beefed up job placement statistics. When I graduated, I found that the average wage (if one could find a job in the industry) was around 7.50 a hour. I also found that my “degree” was non-transferable and a total of zero credits were recognized as legitimate by any other university. I was not given a paper degree at all. I was not provided with any of the certifications on paper. I did graduate however, but did not receive any graduation material whatsoever. No paper, no certs, no anything. I have received collection calls at all hours of the day, seven days a week, and as late as 11 pm on a Sunday. Sallie Mae cannot produce a copy of my signed promissary note despite my requests for one. I am a disabled Veteran of two foreign theaters with a 50 percent rating. I am unemployed and afraid for my future because Sallie Mae claims to have the ability to withhold any federal aid I am receiving in the forrm of disability. Sallie Mae denied consolodation. Direct Loans was not providing consolodations at the time of my impending default. I noticed that there are several class action suits and I want on board. This company should not have the privilage of doing business in this country that I have put my life on the line for. Every student at the Texas Culinary Academy has a Sallie Mae loan. I have all of the paperwork they have ever sent me. Please contact me. Thank You.