Westwood Class Action Preliminary Hearing Held Today

Hi Everyone,

Today was the first conference with our arbitrator, called the Preliminary Hearing.  The main focus of this step is to set a schedule for the first phase of the case.  The first phase is called Clause Construction, where we show that there is no class prohibition in the arbitration clause that students were required to signed at enrollment.  Our brief is due on November 11, 2009, and we’ll post it on here as soon as it’s available.  Westwood has until Dec. 2, 2009, to respond, and then we have a week to reply to their response.  After that, the arbitrator will have oral arguments and make his decision.  As I’ve told you before, it’s a long slow process, but it’s a critical step in the proceedings and we’re ready to move forward with this issue.

Also, the Washington Monthly ran a brilliant piece by Steve Burd about sub-prime student lending in for-profit schools.  I think many of you will recognize the students’ stories as very similar to your own.  Our case is also mentioned towards the end as an example of these new “institutional loans” that schools are using to further prey on their most vulnerable students.

We’re continuing to hear from more students every single day and we have many former employees continuing to expose Westwood’s practices.  Please keep your eyes out on here and on the Facebook group for updates as to how you can be involved and have the opportunity to tell your story.  You are all doing a great job advocating for yourselves in this situation, and we encourage you to continue telling your story and fighting back!  As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best,

Jillian