Another Lawsuit Against Capella University

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by APerson, Oct 21, 2006.

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  1. APerson

    APerson New Member

    Capella University is being sued, again, for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against one of their enrollment directors. I tried to upload it to this board but .pdf files aren't accepted. The case is Christensen v. Capella Education Company and it was filed in U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota (DMN), Case #: 0:06-cv-04139-JRT-FLN about a week ago.
     
  2. raristud2

    raristud2 New Member

    What happened to Jeffrey Lamarca? I read that he sued capella university? Was he ever successful? Is anyone familiar with his case?
     
  3. APerson

    APerson New Member

    It looks like his case is still before the courts. It looks like its stalled because Capella is countersuing. At least that what his site says.

    La Marca v Capella University

    I just checked PACER and his case is listed there too.
     
  4. BlackBird

    BlackBird Member

    Wow! This individual really feels slighted. The fact that he/she has this elaborate web site (probably cost a bundle of money to put up) to complain really shows how deep the hurt is.

    I surmise that most universities eventually get a ton of lawsuits for all kinds of reasons. That is why they have a group of lawyers on staff permanently to handle litigation.

    I'm sorry this indivual had this problem. I cannot relate to the problems of a disabled person. I'm not trying to be insensitive, yet I must say that I have very little to complain about with Capella. I enjoyed my experience. I only saw very eager staff wanting to serve the needs of students.

    I'm glad I chose Capella for my Ph.D.
     
  5. Clapper

    Clapper New Member

    Has Walden University suffered the same accusatory legal slings and arrows as Capella?
     
  6. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

     
  7. PsychPhD

    PsychPhD New Member

    Someone always complains about something

    I have to agree with BlackBird ...

    I am not disabled, but I did not experience anything with Capella beyond the average annoyances one would expect with any large organization and a complicated undertaking.

    From my own online teaching experience and dissertation research, I am left wondering if due to the personal disconnect experienced in the online world people are just more disinhibited and likely to express their anger.

    I have taught both online and conventionally and I never experienced the sort of venomous vitriol that I have with online students. Of course an instructor should not expect that every student -- online or off -- will like him/her. But when it has happened in my online classes, there were more angry (really angry) statements on course evaluations, vicious EMails, and complaints to adminstration. (I once accused of racial discrimination in the treatment of a student who I had never met in person and had no idea she was African American until she accused me of discriminating against her because it it!)

    It is so easy to whip off an EMail when one feels slighted.
    From the Federal District Court of Minnesota website, you apparently can file court papers online now too.

    According to the Higher Learning Commmission, Capella University is 11 years old, currently has 1,700 fulltime and 12,500 part time students and, awarded 1,500 degrees last year. Given those numbers, frankly, I am surprised it has only been sued twice.
     
  8. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

    No kidding - guess it depends upon how one looks at the glass (half full or empty). My point is the original poster utilized the "again" tag as a method to jump up, point the finger, and say ...."see - I told you they were a rotten school, bunch of racists, etc......" when in reality the same happens to many, many good organizations.
     
  9. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

    Raristud2....I don't know.....why don't we ask him.......Hey Jeffrey Lamarca (ie. APerson) what ever happened to you?
     
  10. simon

    simon New Member


    Blackbird, I am very glad that you are "glad that you (I) chose Capella for your your (my) Ph.D" . However this has no relevance to the focus of this thread and there is absolutely no need to take this defensive postion everytime someone presents any information that YOU believe is not positive about Capella. In fact because any student sues any school by no means implies that the school is at fault because as we know there are many such suits being made daily with no substance.

    What does concern me is when current and former students vehemently protest any information regarding their school and begin to sing the school anthem and engage in spin politics in an effprt to block other posters from freely engaging in a discussion of the respective issue. It is disrespectful to do so. The posters on this forum wish to learn what the issues are and then to decide for themselves whether they have any credibility or not. Just my impression.
     
  11. PsychPhD

    PsychPhD New Member

    All a matter of perception

    Simon ...

    "Another Lawsuit Against Capella University" certainly doesn't sound like the thread will be inspiring a balanced discussion about the University's pluses and minuses.

    Sadly, in this day and age, we have all become quite adept at "spin."

    I don't think Blackbird (or myself, for that matter) is attempting to dismiss/belittle the grievances anyone may have with Capella. Personally, I have been open about the disappointments I have had with the University.

    However, given the title of the thread and the perception that it frames, I do not believe it an unrealistic response from someone's whose experiences was primarily positive to state that fact, in an attempt to balance what appears to be a one-sided message.

    As I illustrated in my post on this subject, given the demographics of Capella, I am surprised that in its 11 years it has only had two suits filed against it (of which we are aware.)

    And, as it was pointed out, APerson/Jeffrey Lamarca has made his displeasure abundantly clear by going so far as to establish an anti-Capella website. So, if someone with such a clearly stated agenda attempts to forward that agenda with a baited discussion thread topic, again, I don't see it being unreasonable that others would attempt to counter that perception.

    Ultimately, isn't the purpose of this forum to openly share experiences so that others may benefit? In that spirit, aren't we obligated in our efforts to present both sides?
     
  12. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

    Right on!
     
  13. APerson

    APerson New Member

    Couldn't agree more. No malevolence was intended by the use of the term “another” as it is merely provides an accurate description of the current state of affairs regarding Capella University’s legal problems. Other online universities are also involved in multiple lawsuits, including the University of Phoenix: in fact, they have just had a lawsuit filed against them by the EEOC on charges of religious discrimination. I created this topic because it is relevant to the online experience and nothing more. It’s really sad that there are those that are constantly compelled to attack and point their vitriolic accusatory fingers at anyone who posts something that may cast an online school in a negative light.
     
  14. APerson

    APerson New Member

    Again, well said. There are those who are so hypersensitive about every little post that may offend their personal affinities for a certain school, that they prefer to attack the poster rather than discuss the issues. This thread has already degenerated into such an attack as the topic concerns a former Capella University enrollment director who is suing the school for discrimination. This is not a unique situation, especially in the for-profit online paradigm as other universities, particularly the largest of all - the University of Phoenix, have also been subjected to the same type of lawsuit.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 21, 2006
  15. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

    Jeffery,
    I have no problem with an issue such as this being posted. What I am more interested in is that similar types of issues that impact other schools (and the "pet" institutions favored here) be likewise featured. Moreover, what I find distressful is the constant attack and vitriolic accusatory fingers always pointed at CU and UOP. Don't you find it interesting that "certain" people just convieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiently fail to comment on topics or similar issues that cast the reputation of "certain" institutions in a negative light?

    Now...... we are all familiar with the Lamaraca v. Capalla lawsuit so to state that your interest in starting this thread was because "it was relevant to the onlline experience" and "nothing more" is curious - to say the least. Some might say that to start and title a thread like the current one without full disclosure of that fact is a little suspicious - don't you think? Have a great day - my friend!
     
  16. simon

    simon New Member

    The above statement is an attempt to discredit the content of APERSON's thread without any basis BUT Glimeber's belief that the term "AGAIN" is tantamount to bashing Capella! In addition the conclusion that ONLY Capella and UOP are the object of criticism is also erroneous. A quick review of the archives on this forum will reveal that NCU, Touro and other schools have received hefty amounts of critiques by posters.

    Once again allow posters to present their threads, such as this one, and to allow us to decide if there is any prejudicial intent rather than you drawing that concusion with the objective to bring about premature closure of this topic.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 21, 2006
  17. BlackBird

    BlackBird Member


    Simon,

    I just want to say that I have absolutely no intention of trying to shut down or take away a person's right to trash, attack, dislike, etc. Capella or any other school. My point was that I was sad that the individual got such a bum deal if he is saying the truth. I did, however, want to balance things out so that forum visitors don't think that Capella is a horrible institution. I agree with the other gentleman that also got his Ph.D. in Psychology from Capella. Even though I had a few snags along my journey, I, overall, had a wonderful experience. Most professors and staff bent over backwards to serve us and work with us. I, personally, cannot complain. Most of my fellow learners also felt the same.
     
  18. Han

    Han New Member

    I think that a website that has details of an existing lawsuit sheds some doubt (my opinion only). If the lawsuit is being conducted, I do not think it is right for the people involved to comment until the lawsuit is over (though I think any outside discussion is OK). Just my 2 cents.
     
  19. raristud2

    raristud2 New Member

    Even if lamarca fails to win a settlement, universities may enhance the use of visual and auditory assistive technologies for their online programs.
    I believe NCU, Phoenix, Touro, Walden,
    WGU, APUS and others are aware of Capella vs Lamarca.

    Capella university has its stengths. The university does a few chinks as well. A poster in this thread mentioned that other universities have gone through lawsuits. An engineering professor at a non-proft university is in serious trouble for using a million dollar grant on lavish things. Some faculty members have been demoted and replaced.

    Other distinguished universities have been in trouble with funding.

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29252&nfid=mnf

    Is greater oversight of university operations needed? A poster on this board is vigorously in favor of professonal accreditation. Is regional accrediation enough or should serious improvements be made to enhance regulation of funding and student services?

    What are the laws regarding accommodation of online students who are in need of assistive technologies?
    Does funding exist to address these issues? Have a significant number of students addressed the need for assistive technology in distance education?

    I don't know the answer to these questions. They are interesting and relevant to distance education. Maybe we can continue to have a balanced discussion on the issues above.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 22, 2006
  20. glimeber

    glimeber New Member

    Nice try Simon but no cigar. Friend, I have been on this thread for nearly 5 years and "it is what it is." Yep.....NCU and Touro have gotten a sprinkling of criticism but it is no where near the elevated and repeated attacks directed at both CU or UOP. No where did I state or imply others weren't criticized. What I am saying is that they aren't criticized to nearly the degree of CU or UOP. Hell....if we were talking about Touro no one would even care or take the time to debate the issue. In the future, please read and reread my posts a little slower and more carefully.

    As far as Jeffery's comment about "vitriolic attack"....that would be one where a participant on this very forum creates a website entirely dedicated to attacking CU. Moreover, the web page goes so far as to compare members of the CU staff to Nazi's. Now I don't know about most of you but to compare the staff of CU to the murderers of nearly 6 million Jews is in itself embarrassing and hatemongering. Makes one wonder what goes on in the mind of (fill in the blank - you/we know who you are). Dude is either unemployable with nothing to do, has a variety of complicated personality disorders or simply enjoys hurting people. At the end of the day he simply looks foolish. Have a great one!
     

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