Hawaii Litigation Update: Pickering Univ

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JE Brunton, May 17, 2003.

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  1. JE Brunton

    JE Brunton New Member

    On May 16, 2003 the First Circuit Court of the State of Hawaii entered default judgment against Pickering University the United Congregational Church "Society of Friends Group" (a Hawaii corporation) and Robert W. Keller (believed to reside in southern California or Mexico).

    Under the terms of the judgment, Pickering University and Mr. Keller are enjoined from operating any degree granting institution in, from or under the color of Hawaii law. The judgment also directs the state's Business Registration Division to terminate its corporate existence and orders its mail-forwarding service to stop providing any services. Both defendants were also ordered to offer full restitution to any students or graduates who enrolled after July 1, 1999. The court also imposed civil penalties of $250,000 each.

    Note: although Pickering's initial website was taken down by the webhoster following the filing of suit, Mr. Keller appears to have reopened it under the address www.pde.pu.edu and now claims to operate under the authority of the state of Missouri.

    Anyone wishing to see an unfiled electronic version of the default judgment may email requests to [email protected]

    Jeffrey E. Brunton
    Staff Attorney
    Office of Consumer Protection
    State of Hawaii
     
  2. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Thanks for the info. Pickering University also has the simpler URL http://www.pu.edu.

    Robert W. Keller is a native speaker of English, yes? It's rather strange: the whole Website is literate, except for the application form (http://www.pu.edu/form.htm), which says "Please Complete This Form For Our Convenient. Thank You!!!"
     
  3. JE Brunton

    JE Brunton New Member

    That was the website address which we initially closed down. It appears he has obtained a new webhosting service out of Phoenix. As I mentioned, I don't believe a single state (or even a group of states) will be able to successfully terminate this one.
     

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