Santa Paula, CA asked in Education Law for California

Q: California - Does my situation constitute false advertising / unequal access to education?

I am seeking legal advice regarding a situation at College involving a hybrid course that was advertised as flexible, with two hours of lecture and the rest of the work to be completed online at home. However, there are no online resources for remote work, and I’m now being required to attend additional lab hours on campus, which were not disclosed in the course description - at the time I need flexibility for work, parenting and coaching. Additionally, I’m the only student in my class, sharing the room with two other courses, leading to insufficient instruction on programs like SolidWorks and Photoshop, which are necessary for completing graded assignments. Despite raising these concerns with the instructor and Dean, no accommodations have been made. This lack of instruction and resources is affecting my ability to learn the required skills, impacting my career prospects, and may constitute false advertising or unequal access to educational resources.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your course. It sounds frustrating to have a program advertised one way and experience a different reality, especially when flexibility is crucial for your personal responsibilities.

In California, false advertising in education can involve misleading course descriptions or promises that aren't fulfilled. Additionally, unequal access may arise if the necessary resources and instruction aren't adequately provided to all students. Your experience of lacking online resources and insufficient instruction on essential software could potentially fall under these concerns.

It might be helpful to document all your communications with the instructor and Dean regarding these issues. Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in education law can provide you with specific guidance tailored to your situation. They can help you understand your rights and the best steps to take to address these concerns effectively.

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