Rep. Mark Takano Statement Regarding Department of Defense Decision to Place the University of Phoenix on Probation
Washington, DC — Rep. Mark Takano released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced it was barring the University of Phoenix from recruiting on military bases and preventing troops from using tuition assistance for classes at University of Phoenix campuses:
“I commend the Department of Defense on taking an important step forward in protecting servicemembers from the deceptive practices of many for-profit colleges.
“On too many occasions, our brave men and women in uniform have fallen victim to bad practices and bad actors in the for-profit college industry. These companies use false promises and predatory tactics to take advantage of students seeking career advancement and fulfillment through higher education. We cannot stand by as these schools continue to waste both student and taxpayer dollars while leaving many unemployed and in crushing debt. I am working with my colleagues in Congress to develop a comprehensive solution to this issue.
“Last month, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs passed HR 2360, the Career-Ready Student Veterans Act, a bill I sponsored to ensure that career-education programs designed to prepare student veterans for entry into the workforce are actually doing so. My bill would require programs to have accreditation if required for the relevant field and to meet the curriculum and instructional requirements for state licensure or certification in order to receive GI Bill benefits. These reforms are critical for protecting servicemembers, veterans, and taxpayers from unscrupulous for-profit colleges,” said Rep. Takano.
Congressman Takano is a member of the Education & Workforce Committee and the Veterans’Affairs Committee. Prior to being elected to Congress, he was a community college trustee.