Iowa Appeals Court Affirms Class Certification in Student Defense Lawsuit Against La’James International College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2021

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Iowa Appeals Court Affirms Class Certification in Student Defense Lawsuit Against La’James International College

The Iowa Court of Appeals issued a ruling today affirming that a Student Defense lawsuit filed against La’James International College may proceed as a class action lawsuit. A three judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of four former students who filed the lawsuit against the for-profit school in March 2020.

“Today’s ruling affirms that the students who brought this lawsuit are not alone,” said Student Defense Litigation Director Eric Rothschild. “We look forward to continuing to fight for all students who counted on La’James to keep its promises about the financial aid they would receive.”

The lawsuit, filed in Iowa’s Polk County District Court, accuses La’James of illegally withholding financial aid funds, leaving students to look elsewhere for money to pay for their living expenses.

A full copy of the ruling and additional information on the lawsuit can be found on the Student Defense website.

Background
In March 2020, Student Defense and Wandro & Associates, P.C. filed a class-action lawsuit against La’James International College on behalf of four former students who were defrauded by the school. La’James International operates a number of for-profit beauty and cosmetology schools in Iowa that primarily enroll low-income students. The lawsuit describes La’James’ illegal withholding of financial aid refunds, causing many students to struggle to pay for basic necessities.