Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on the recently exposed scheme to deliberately deceive college admissions processes.
The Justice Department today exposed an elaborate, widespread scheme to circumvent established college admissions practices. This alleged admissions fraud is alarming and deeply disturbing. From the Department of Justice’s fillings, it appears that the conspirators went to great lengths to hide their deception from the institutions they targeted. The actions of the accused not only unfairly tarnish leading educational institutions but stand in stark contrast to the values of openness, scholarship, achievement, inclusion, and merit that are at the core of these very same institutions.
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Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 62 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.