In Re Fundacion Facultad De Derecho Eugenio Maria De Hostos

Key Facts

Issues

• The Tribunal evaluated whether the Fundación Facultad de Derecho Eugenio María de Hostos (FFDEMH) has achieved financial stability to operate as a viable educational institution, particularly after experiencing significant losses and relying on government support. The foundation's ability to maintain enrollment, manage expenses, and repay construction loans for its new library were critical factors in this determination.
• The court reviewed FFDEMH's adherence to specific conditions set during its 2008 provisional accreditation extension, including financial management, library construction progress, and reválida pass rates. While some requirements were met, critical shortcomings in financial stability and ABA accreditation progress led to the recommendation to deny further extension.
• The court assessed whether FFDEMH fulfilled the American Bar Association (ABA) provisional accreditation requirements, which were a key condition for extending its provisional accreditation. Despite multiple years of evaluation, the foundation failed to demonstrate concrete progress in addressing ABA's concerns, raising doubts about its compliance with national legal education standards.
• The foundation's strict EXADEP score requirement (550+) for admissions, implemented to improve reválida pass rates, led to declining enrollment and revenue. The Tribunal examined whether this policy balanced academic quality with financial sustainability, noting its impact on the institution's ability to attract students and maintain fiscal health.

Holdings

Remedies

• The decision clarifies that students currently enrolled at FFDEMH who complete their Juris Doctor degree will be allowed to take the bar exam, as will graduates who completed their studies during the period of provisional accreditation. This provision ensures that existing students are not adversely affected by the denial of accreditation extension.
• The Tribunal Supremo de Puerto Rico has resolved to deny the extension of provisional accreditation for the Fundación Facultad de Derecho Eugenio María de Hostos (FFDEMH). This decision follows the institution's failure to demonstrate financial viability and progress toward obtaining ABA provisional accreditation, despite multiple extensions and established conditions. The denial is based on the institution's ongoing fiscal challenges, inability to attract sufficient students, and lack of a concrete plan to meet accreditation requirements.

Precedent Name

• In re Fundación Facultad de Derecho Eugenio María de Hostos
• In re Fundación Facultad de Derecho Eugenio María De Hostos

Judge Name

• Pabón Charneco
• Fiol Matta
• Jorge Pérez Díaz

Passage Text

• resolvemos DENEGAR la extensión de una acreditación provisional a la FFDEMH. No obstante, el Tribunal considera que la determinación que hoy tomamos no es óbice para que la Fundación... reinicie nuevamente su proceso de acreditación ante este Tribunal.
• El Comité entiende que, a pesar del largo tiempo transcurrido en las gestiones para lograr la acreditación, la FFDEMH no cuenta con un plan concreto para mejorar sus finanzas, establecer la viabilidad de su operación y culminar con éxito el proceso de acreditación por la ABA. En atención a lo anterior, el Comité recomienda DENEGAR una extensión a la acreditación provisional de la FFDEMH...
• Disiento de la decisión mayoritaria que deniega la extensión... Considero que en el cumplimiento responsable de nuestro deber... no podemos evaluar una solicitud como la presente utilizando un enfoque estrechamente económico...