Congressman Beto O’Rourke meets with Anamarc college students about closing of college
Congressman Beto O’Rourke met with Anamarc students in Downtown El Paso Wednesday afternoon to discuss the problems facing the college.
He called for the meeting after students attended his town hall Tuesday night and talked about the Anamarc issues.
O’Rourke said he immediately followed up with the FBI after hearing Anamarc students’ comments at his town hall.
The FBI asked O’Rourke to have Anamarc students and employees file complaints with the FBI.
O’Rourke said an investigation has begun and if fraud is involved, a criminal investigation/charges could be next.
O’Rourke also is urging students to get in touch with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.
O’Rourke’s office said they only have received minimal info from the CEO of Anamarc and that it was nothing the students didn’t already know.
On June 30, Anamarc notified its accreditor, the Accrediting Council for Independent Council for Independent Colleges and Schools that it will be losing. Under Department of Education requirements, Anamarc must submit its school closing plan by July 11.
Former employees of the college say signs of financial distress were apparent months ago.
ABC-7 spoke with several employees Wednesday and they say they’ve received a termination letter and that essentially only three people are left employed at the entire college – the two owners and the human resources director.
On Wednesday, the accreditation agency for Anamarc confirmed that the school will be closing and that the owners have until the 11th to come up with a plan to refund students or find other ways to have them continue their education.
ABC-7 received a copy of a notification from the Department of Education which placed Anamarc on a higher requirement level for receiving federal student financial aid.
The notice, which went into effect two weeks ago, required Anamarc to submit extra documentation to the Department of Education and meant there would be a delay in receiving federal funds due to “financial responsibility” issues with the college.
