Fraudulent degree story

http://pittsburghlive.com/x/dailycourier/news/s_351943.html

 

Worthy of note:

Amazing. Shal should go to jail... even if only for a short time.

 

This type of fraud has to vigorously prosecuted and the perpetrator, if convicted, needs to sentenced within the sentencing guidelines. Frequently, someone in Shal's position would have the opportunity to enter a diversion program of some type which would allow him to avoid incarceration and ultimately have his record expunged. This isn't "soft" justice; it allows the state to focus its limited jail space on more serious offenders yet has the desired effect of deterring repeat criminal behavior by first time criminals.

However, in this case, by virtue of the nature of the offense, the only real deterrent would be for Shal to have a permanent felony record along with some nominal amount of jail time. After all, Shal didn't just buy a phony diploma to hang on his wall ( like several of our brethren in the "other forum" ) but instead to provide counseling to troubled children and bill the state for reimbursment.

This is the type of fraud, providing substandard services, that is all to often focused upon those most vulnerable in society. Do you think that this SOB would have been able to bring children from a middle-class, two-parent home to a bowling alley under the guise of treatment and get away with it? This is symptomatic of the mindset by all too many contractors providing services to the public sector: The recipients aren't paying for the service, therefore they have to accept whatever they are given without complaint.

 

This has already been discussed.

http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20220

 

Thanks Jimmy for pointing that out. Do you still hold the opinion that there wouldn't have been a problem if Shal had been a case manager? If so, is it permissible for someone to use a bogus degree to work as a case manager? You always look for the good qualities in these frauds and, in general, that is commendable but you have to draw a line somewhere to maintain standards.

Again, I refer back to the recipients of this counseling. Why should they have to accept sub-standard services simply because they're poor? If the typical middle-class parent found out that the provider of any type of service to their child padded their resume with an unaccredited degree, they would immediately find another service provider. People who are receiving government-subsidized services don't have that option and it is wrong.

Further, ANYONE who uses a bogus degree for any reason, even if they are already qualified to perform their current job, demonstrates a lack of character and integrity. IMHO, this disqualifies them from holding any position of authority, despite their ability to actually meet the performance standards.

My belief in this is pragmatic rather than dogmatic. If my dentist, with a genuine undergrad and dental degree, hung a bogus doctorate in an unrelated field on his office wall, I would walk out. It isn't a matter of his professional competence, rather it calls his judgement and character into question. I wouldn't entrust the well-being of my family (or myself) to someone I can't trust.

When it comes to positions of lesser importance I take a different view. For example, if the landscaper kept framed copies of his Knightsbridge Ph.D. and Henrik Fyrst Kristensenon's autographed photo on the back of his truck, it wouldn't bother me a bit.

 

This is not what I said. I said

Hardly says there wouldn't have been a problem.

My comment was about degree levels in correlation with services provided, not fake degrees.

In most other states one cannot counsel without at least a master's degree. Those with bachelor's, particularly the B.S.W., provide case management services.

 

Intersting - I did search for 'shal' before posting, but nothing came up??!

 

Some glitches are beginning to be resolved. Perhaps the search function will be next.