Jay-Z and Roc Nation accused of misleading students’ false commitment to debt-free education at Long Island University

Read Time:1 Minute, 9 Second

Jay-Z's Roc Nation Academy of Music, Sports and Entertainment has come under fire for its commitment to a debt-free education, although many say it's inaccurate. However, a recent Gothicist report shows that many of the same students felt misleading and accumulated unexpected debts to participate in the program. Justice Stephenson, the school’s first hope scholar, shared that she was later told she owed $26,000 in student debt. After presenting a proof that the school is debt-free, she was able to negotiate it to $5,000. “I got my debt-free education, though.” Dozens of students reportedly received similar letters, guaranteeing they could “graduate without debt.” However, the letters do not mention that the scholarship excludes college fees and housing costs. Jackie Nealon, marketing director at LIU, claimed: “The offer letter… explicitly includes college fees and scholarships, not including housing costs.” However, the initial wording did not clarify. Students also criticized the school’s quality, accusing guests of celebrities such as Rihanna and DJ Khaled, who never happened and were inadequate in facilities. Jay-Z and Roc Nation did not respond publicly. This situation echoes the problems facing Kanye West’s Donda Academy, which was closed in 2022 in disputes and lawsuits. It is unclear whether any students have taken legal action against the school.

Source link