Golden Gate Law School, a diverse and unique institution based in San Francisco, is facing a battle for survival as students and alumni fight to keep the school open. The school’s closure rumors have sparked a lawsuit and a plea to the court to prevent the transfer of current students to other law schools.
The Journey of Yvonne Ulibarri: A Student’s Perspective
Yvonne Ulibarri, a special education English teacher from Albuquerque, New Mexico, found her way to Golden Gate University School of Law in 2021 through a stroke of luck. Seeking a part-time law school program that would allow her to balance her day job, she stumbled upon the school’s JD Flex Program. This hybrid program was the perfect fit for her, offering a combination of in-person and online classes that accommodated her schedule.
For Ulibarri, the opportunity to study law at Golden Gate was a dream come true. As the first in her family to pursue a legal career, she was eager to delve into the world of law and justice. The school’s diverse community and unique offerings, such as a “#MeToo” law class, resonated with her personal experiences of harassment in the legal field.
The Initial Hurdles and Disappointments
However, Ulibarri’s journey at Golden Gate Law took an unexpected turn when rumors of the school’s closure began to circulate. Despite her efforts to ignore the speculation, a sudden email blast from university officials announcing the discontinuation of the JD program shattered her hopes. The uncertainty of how she would complete her law degree after investing three years of study and $143,000 in tuition payments to Golden Gate Law took a toll on her health, leading to physical and emotional distress during finals.
In the face of this crisis, Ulibarri and a group of alums and students decided to take legal action. They filed a lawsuit accusing the university and its president of unlawful business practices and demanded the school to remain open. Despite initial setbacks, they persisted in their fight, filing an amended complaint and seeking an injunction to prevent the transfer of students to other law schools.
The Legal Battle: Fighting for Justice
Ryan Griffith, attorney for the alums and students, has been at the forefront of the legal battle to save Golden Gate Law. As an adjunct professor and graduate of the school, he is deeply invested in preserving the institution’s legacy. Griffith plans to expedite the court hearing and request a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo of keeping everyone at Golden Gate until a resolution is reached.
The plaintiffs’ amended complaint alleges financial mismanagement and questionable decisions by the university president, David Fike, that led to the school’s current predicament. They claim that Fike’s actions, including taking out $60 million in loans and reducing the student body, have put the institution at risk of closure. Despite repeated requests for transparency regarding the school’s finances, the university has failed to provide essential information, fueling suspicions of malfeasance.
Hope for the Future: Seeking Resolution
As the legal battle unfolds, students like Danielle Morvan are left grappling with the uncertainty of their academic future. Morvan, a first-generation law student, had received a full-tuition scholarship from Golden Gate Law, a rare opportunity for students of color pursuing legal education. However, with the school’s closure looming, she faces the prospect of transferring to another institution and forfeiting her scholarship.
Amidst the chaos and confusion, Griffith remains optimistic about the possibility of saving Golden Gate Law. He believes that a court-appointed receiver could help steer the school out of its financial crisis and ensure continuity for students. While the road ahead is uncertain, he is committed to uncovering the truth behind the school’s financial woes and seeking justice for its students and alumni.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for Golden Gate Law
As the legal battle rages on, students and alumni of Golden Gate Law are left with a sense of loss and disappointment. The prospect of transferring to other law schools, adjusting to new environments, and facing financial burdens weighs heavily on their minds. Despite the challenges ahead, they remain resilient and hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to continue their legal education at Golden Gate.
In the midst of uncertainty, one thing is clear – the fight to save Golden Gate Law is far from over. Students, alumni, and supporters are united in their determination to preserve the school’s legacy and ensure that future generations of aspiring lawyers have the opportunity to pursue their dreams at this esteemed institution.
