LAS
VEGAS, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In resolute
defense of students, parents and the educational community, Honor
Society® has filed claims in a federal lawsuit against Phi Theta
Kappa (PTK) and its CEO, Lynn
Tincher-Ladner, accusing them of misleading students and
attempting to monopolize the community college honor society
market. Filed in the Southern District of Mississippi, the suit alleges
that PTK's practices deceive students, educational institutions,
and employers.
Honor Society® Sues Phi Theta Kappa Over
Deceptive Practices and Attempted Monopoly
The lawsuit details several troubling
practices allegedly masterminded by CEO
Lynn Tincher-Ladner, including:
- False "Top 10%" Claims: PTK is accused of falsely
claiming in solicitations that invited students are in the "Top
10%" of their class to entice them to pay membership fees. PTK's
criteria allow a much higher percentage of students to qualify. For
example, at Oakton Community College,
44% of students meet PTK's 3.5+ GPA standard—significantly more
than the actual "Top 10%." This misleads students both within and
below the top 10% about the purported exclusivity of PTK
membership.
- Alleged Fraudulent Letters of
Recommendation: Compounding the member invitation issue, Phi
Theta Kappa issues letters of recommendation on behalf of its
members, with CEO Lynn
Tincher-Ladner's signature, claiming that the PTK member is
in the top 10% at their school—without any basis. This deceives
students, colleges, and employers about the actual merit of PTK
membership.
- Misleading Scholarship Claims: PTK
allegedly promotes exclusive access to $246 million in scholarships, which are actually
broadly available university transfer scholarships. This
misrepresentation leads students to pay for PTK membership under
false pretenses. Furthermore, Phi Theta Kappa
allegedly advertises that its "average member gets
$2,500 a year" in transfer
scholarships, which is false. These alleged
misrepresentations deceive students as to the benefits PTK
provides.
These and other deceptive tactics, the lawsuit
alleges, have allowed PTK to misappropriate
significant sums from students, by exploiting their trust and
aspirations. Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that PTK
has sold and shared member data under false pretenses, further
compromising student privacy and trust.
PTK has also allegedly engaged in
anticompetitive conduct intended to exclude competition from the
community college market, harming students as a result.
Mikal Calvert, marketing director of
Honor Society®, states, "Phi Theta Kappa's actions have unfairly
restricted the choices for honor society memberships in community
colleges, misleading countless students. This lawsuit aims to
dismantle these falsehoods and advocate for a market that truly
values inclusivity and excellence."
Honor Society® urges those affected by PTK's
deceptive practices to come forward. "We must protect vulnerable
students and educational institutions from these
alleged predatory behaviors," emphasizes Calvert. "We
encourage anyone who believes they have been misled by Phi Theta
Kappa to contact their state attorney general's office or the
Better Business Bureau."
For more information about the lawsuit, visit
www.ptklawsuit.com. To post or follow the topic on social media,
use #PTKlawsuit.
Call for Action:
If you have insights or information about PTK's
alleged deceptive practices, please email
PTKLawsuit@gmail.com. Your privacy and confidentiality will be
respected.
About Honor Society®:
Honor Society® is a forward-thinking,
technology-driven society dedicated to recognizing academic and
professional excellence. For over a decade, Honor Society® has been
at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and dismantling systemic
bias and structural racism, providing a platform that encourages
achievement at all levels. Committed to empowering its members,
Honor Society® has reached millions of students and professionals
across the nation, promoting inclusive excellence through
personalized recognition, diverse programming, and wide-ranging
career resources. As a pioneering leader in the honor society
community, Honor Society® addresses critical issues often incumbent
in historical honor societies, such as accessibility, equity, and
inclusivity. It is a proud member of the National Association of
Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), reinforcing its
role as "The Honor Society for All™." For more information about
the society, visit HonorSociety.org.
Press Contact:
Tina Murtagh
Brand Director, Honor Society®
Phone: (424) 226-2411
Email: tina.murtagh@honorsociety.org
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SOURCE Honor Society