Park and Walker Tzeng, the school’s vice president, allege that officials played “gotcha” with their unannounced visits. Tzeng also accused one of the investigators of racial bias, telling Los Angeles Times that the investigator told him that he “spoke good English.”
RELATED: Why Biola Started What Could Be the First Interdisciplinary AI Lab at a Christian University
In a decision that was finalized on Dec. 10 and goes into effect on Jan. 10, Judge Debra Nye-Perkins ordered the school to halt the enrollment of new students and to assist current students with plans to finish their degrees elsewhere.
The school will also be required to pay $64,000 for violations.
“The only degree of discipline that would protect the public is the revocation of respondent’s approval to operate,” Nye-Perkins wrote in her decision.
The school said that it intends to appeal the decision.
“Following a recent hearing, Olivet University received a decision that resulted in the revocation of its license in California,” the school said in a statement. “The University is currently preparing to appeal the decision through the appropriate legal channels to address the matter thoroughly.”
“In addition to pursuing the appeal, Olivet University has made the decision as of December 11 to operate under religious exemption in California, and submitted its application same day,” the statement continued. “This step reflects the University’s commitment to continuing its mission and activities while upholding its core values and principles as a Christian institution.”
RELATED: Feud With Ex-President Leads to Lawsuit, Alleged Threats of Violence at Calvin University
“The University remains dedicated to serving its students and community during this transitional period,” the school concluded.
