Northwestern College has filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, alleging that IDFPR is unlawfully shutting down its nursing program just before a new law granting flexibility on test score metrics takes effect.
Northwestern College, located in west suburban Oak Park, is not affiliated with Northwestern University.
According to court documents, Northwestern College, particularly its Violet L. Schumacher School of Nursing, seeks to provide education to a diverse student body, with a focus on allegedly underrepresented groups. Northwestern alleges that despite its commitment to diversity and adherence to testing requirements, the IDFPR is unlawfully shutting down Northwestern's nursing program before a new law that grants flexibility to nursing programs on test score metrics takes effect in 2024.
According to the lawsuit, the IDFPR has initiated proceedings to revoke approval for the nursing program, citing an alleged failure to meet required passage rates for the state licensure exam. Despite Northwestern College's attempts to engage in settlement discussions and request a formal hearing, the IDFPR proceeded to vote for revocation without proper procedural safeguards, the complaint alleges.
Northwestern College asserts that the IDFPR's actions violate Illinois law and due process, urging the court to intervene and ensure compliance with legal standards. The complaint highlights discrepancies in statutory application. The complaint also addresses IDFPR's refusal to provide requested documentation through the Freedom of Information Act and emphasizes deviations from standard administrative procedures.
Northwestern has requested a grace period aligned with the new standards and is also seeking legal intervention to challenge the program approval revocation, urging a proper hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, allegedly as mandated by Illinois law. Northwestern is seeking relief, including declarations, injunctive measures, damages, document production and attorney's fees.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Michael Haeberle, of Patterson Law Firm LLC, in Chicago.