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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 2d

Coding bootcamps advertised quick credentials, job placement, and deferred debt repayment.

But some colleges simply outsourced their programs to third-party operators and provided none of the instruction!

Full Film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... Courtesy: @arizonapbs.bsky.social

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 5d

Too many students fall victim to predatory higher ed profiteers. That's why we're working tirelessly to ensure protections for students entering short-term programs that could now be eligible for Workforce Pell Grants.

Watch more here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi... / via @arizonapbs.bsky.social

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 6d

Student Defense Vice President and Chief Counsel Dan Zibel issued a statement today on the decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas upholding the U.S. Department of Education’s 2023 Gainful Employment Rule:

defendstudents.org/news/student...

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 9d

We just launched the “Safeguarding Higher-Ed through AI Practices & Ethics (SHAPE) AI Initiative” to promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly and transparent uses of AI in higher education.

More info: www.defendstudents.org/news/student...

Student Defense Launches New Initiative to Develop Best Practices for AI in Higher Education

www.defendstudents.org

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 12d

AI is already starting to play a transformative role in higher education.

That’s why our brand new AI initiative will tap into top experts to advise on how to best deploy responsible uses of AI in colleges and universities across the country.

www.defendstudents.org/news/student...

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 13d

NEWS: We just launched the SHAPE AI Initiative.

It’s a brand new effort to provide strategic guidance, policy recommendations, and educational resources that promote ethical, responsible, student-friendly, and transparent uses of AI in higher education. www.defendstudents.org/news/student...

Student Defense Launches New Initiative to Develop Best Practices for AI in Higher Education

www.defendstudents.org

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 14d

... This is the first step in holding Grand Canyon accountable for misleading graduate students about the cost of their education.” – Student Defense attorney Chris Bryant

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 14d

“Deceptive graduate programs looking to profit off federal loans are a growing problem in the higher education landscape and are turning graduate student lending into a runaway train ...

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 14d

A federal judge ruled in May that our class-action lawsuit against Grand Canyon can proceed on four of the five original counts, including a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) claim.

www.defendstudents.org/news/federal...

Federal Judge Denies Grand Canyon’s Motion to Dismiss Students’ RICO Lawsuit

www.defendstudents.org

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 14d

ICYMI: The FTC voted to dismiss its complaint over Grand Canyon’s deceptive enrollment scheme. But that’s not the end of the road for accountability.

www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t...

FTC Dismisses Complaint Against Grand Canyon University

The Federal Trade Commission voted unanimously on Friday to dismiss its complaint against Grand Canyon University, Grand Canyon Education and Brian Mueller, president of GCU and CEO of GCE.

www.insidehighered.com

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 15d

“Unregulated” from @pbs.org dives into the story of how short-term bootcamps came to be, and how the lack of regulations led to misleading students across the country.

Student Defense’s cases on behalf of bootcamp students are featured here: www.pbs.org/video/workin...

Working Forward | Working Forward: Unregulated | Episode 4

Explore credible certification pathways that help Arizona workers learn new skills and get hired.

www.pbs.org

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 21d

Student Defense President Aaron Ament also wrote about what students should know about the federal Workforce Pell Expansion, as it relates to short-term programs.

Read his insights here: azpbs.org/2025/09/what...

What students should know about the federal Workforce Pell Expansion

The Workforce Pell expansion provides financial eligibility to short-term training programs, but the bootcamps may be misleading students.

azpbs.org

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 21d

ICYMI: Student Defense is featured in a brand new documentary series airing on @pbsnews.org called “Working Forward.” Our work pushing for regulations surrounding short-term bootcamps is highlighted in this video:
youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...

youtube.com

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 22d

Check out a brand new documentary series from @pbsnews.org featuring our litigation and work on behalf of students in short-term bootcamp programs like the Lambda School.

Watch it here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...

youtube.com

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · 27d

PBS has a new documentary series that focuses, in part, on short-term coding bootcamps.

Student Defense’s mission to promote accountability for these programs is highlighted, along with our cases against the Lambda School.

Watch “Unregulated” here: youtube.com/watch?v=BcVi...

youtube.com

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

www.defendstudents.org

Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

6. Long-term Impact on Workforce Readiness: AI should support the development of critical skills necessary for the future job market, ensuring all students are prepared for arrears in an AI-driven economy.

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

5. Ethical Use of AI: Institutions should have ongoing discussions about the responsible use of AI, ensuring technologies are used in ways that align with educational values (fairness, autonomy, accountability). AI should only be used when it has a “clear, positive educational impact.”

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

4. Transparency in AI’s Role in Assessment and Grading: Students must be aware of, and can challenge, any decisions made by AI systems when it comes to grading or assessments.

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

3. Ensuring Equity and Inclusion: AI should not exacerbate existing inequalities within the education system. AI systems should be developed and deployed in a manner that promotes inclusivity (for marginalized communities, students with disabilities, and those from lower-income backgrounds).

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

2. Data Privacy and Security: As AI systems become increasingly integrated into educational platforms, strict safeguards must be in place to protect personal data of students.

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

1. AI Literacy for Students: AI literacy must be a foundational component of higher ed curricula (not only understanding AI concepts, but fostering critical thinking skills and navigating the ethical, social and economic implications of AI).

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

However, ED must ensure that AI’s role in higher ed does not put student protections, student rights and fair outcomes across higher education at risk. There are six main pillars to focus on:

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

The integration of AI into higher ed presents a lot of unique opportunities for personalized learning, data-driven insights, and enhanced teaching methodologies.

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Student Defense @studentdefense.bsky.social · Sep 3

NEW: We submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for comment on their supplemental priorities, including “Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education.”
www.defendstudents.org/news/Comment...

www.defendstudents.org

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