Lynn Tincher-Ladner Lawsuit
Disclaimer: The author of this article is not a neutral party in the referenced litigation. HonorSociety.org Inc., Honor Society Foundation Inc., and its president Michael Moradian were sued in federal court by PTK on April 20, 2022 for False Designation of Origin, Trade Dress Infringement, and Unfair Competition. Honor Society and Michael Moradian countersued and are presently defendants/counter-plaintiffs in this litigation. Litigation is still ongoing and all claims made regarding this case are just allegations against the parties.
The Lawsuit Against Lynn Tincher-Ladner and Phi Theta Kappa
In defense and protection of community college students nationwide, Honor Society has filed a federal lawsuit against Lynn Tincher-Ladner, CEO of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), highlighting a series of alarming allegations. This legal action, initiated in the Southern District of Mississippi, brings to light deceptive practices and monopolistic tactics purportedly employed by PTK under Tincher-Ladner's leadership. The implications of this lawsuit are far-reaching, impacting students, parents, and the educational community at large.
The Allegations
The lawsuit presents a detailed account of several troubling practices allegedly masterminded by Lynn Tincher-Ladner. These practices include:
- False "Top 10%" Claims: PTK is accused of falsely claiming in their membership solicitations that invited students are in the "Top 10%" of their class. This misleading claim is used to entice students to pay membership fees. For example, at Oakton Community College, 44% of students meet PTK's 3.5+ GPA standard, significantly more than the actual top 10%. This misrepresentation creates a false sense of exclusivity, misleading students and their families.
- Misleading Letters of Recommendation: The lawsuit alleges that PTK issues letters of recommendation, signed by CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner, stating that members are in the top 10% of their class without any factual basis. This deceptive practice misleads students, educational institutions, and potential employers about the member's academic standing.
- Misleading Scholarship Information: PTK is accused of promoting access to $246 million in scholarships as an exclusive benefit of membership. However, these scholarships are generally available to all students, not just PTK members. Additionally, PTK claims that the "average member gets $2,500 a year" in transfer scholarships, which is reportedly false. Such statements mislead students about the financial benefits of joining PTK.
- Privacy Concerns and Data Sharing: The lawsuit also addresses serious concerns regarding privacy and data sharing. It is alleged that PTK has sold and shared member data under false pretenses, compromising student privacy and trust. This practice not only breaches ethical standards but also raises questions about the organization's commitment to protecting its members' personal information.
- Anticompetitive Conduct: The legal action further accuses PTK of engaging in anticompetitive conduct designed to monopolize the community college honor society market. By misleading students and institutions, PTK allegedly restricts competition, limiting students' options for honor society memberships. This monopolistic behavior is detrimental to the academic community and undermines the values of fairness and inclusivity.
A Call for Action
Honor Society urges those who have been affected by PTK's practices to come forward. It is essential to protect vulnerable students and educational institutions from these alleged predatory behaviors. If you have experienced misleading practices by PTK, please reach out to your state attorney general's office or the Better Business Bureau.
For those with additional insights or information regarding PTK's practices, we encourage you to contact [email protected]. Your privacy and confidentiality will be respected.
For more details about the lawsuit, visit www.ptklawsuit.com. To participate in the discussion on social media, use the hashtag #PTKlawsuit
