Protesters Rally Outside Attorney General's Office In Support Of Heald College
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Dozens of people trying to keep Heald College open rallied outside the California attorney general's office in Sacramento Friday.
They say Attorney General Kamala Harris' office is making it impossible for Heald's parent company, Corinthian, to sell the school and keep it open.
"We're asking Kamala Harris to lift those blocks so that we can continue as a campus and as a school, and so that I can continue my education," said Heald student Tracy St. John-Eggleston.
The attorney general's office says Corinthian – which owns Everest College, Heald College and WyoTech – violated consumer protection and false advertising laws, specifically targeting veterans and low-income students.
Last July, Corinthian announced it would be selling most of its 100-plus campuses under an agreement with the Department of Education.
Harris' office – along with attorney generals from eight other states – recently called on the Education Department to cancel loans for students who attended the allegedly predatory schools.
READ: Letter from 9 attorney generals to the Department of Education on Corinthian Colleges
"Our litigation with Corinthian is ongoing but our approval is not required for the sale of the college," wrote Kristin Ford, a spokesperson for Harris' office.
Ford notes that Heald had a long history of being a non-profit school, but has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corinthian Colleges since 2009.
Protesters outside Harris' office were quick to note the impact Heald's education has on their lives.
"Heald does matter; we help people transform their lives," said college Cory Norwood.
