<p>Hi. I am a graduate student. My case is complex, but here are the facts. I could really use the group’s advice.</p>
<li>I was accepted into a PhD program in my field with a BA. I have the acceptance letter. </li>
<li>The program later changed the rules so that BA students must first get the MA, then apply to the PhD program.</li>
<li>The program during my second year changed my transcript to put me into the MA program without my knowledge or consent.</li>
<li>I found out, appealed, and the University declared that I was indeed in the PhD program.</li>
<li>I later discovered I had a medical condition that forced me to take some time away from school.</li>
<li>Although they said I was in the PhD program, they forced me to continue as a master’s sustaining student until I completed my MA thesis. In the past, other students in my cohort were able to continue into the PhD program without completing their thesis. They are holding me to a different standard.</li>
<li>Through FERPA, I discovered emails sent between faculty that discussed my medical condition. One professor even stated that he was using his TA’s to start a rumor campaign about me. </li>
<li>This term, I was informed that I was being removed from the MA program due to their claim I was not making progress towards my MA degree.</li>
<li>The University claimed they did an investigation, but never contacted me for my side or to allow me to then submit any documentation.
10 I appealed, got a very nasty letter giving me four days to write a reply (they all but called me a liar).</li>
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<p>Now, can they remove me from the MA program if I can prove I was in the PhD program (they both have vastly different timelines for completion)? Isn’t an acceptance letter that they agreed was in fact valid a contract? If I can show that other students in my situation were treated differently than me, and I have these emails showing professors talking about my medical condition in defamatory terms, can I show that I am being treated differently due my medical condition?</p>
<p>This is a horrible situation that I have been trying to fix for a while. The only reason they are even still talking to me and allowing me to submit proof is due to the fact I contacted the press, and threatened to sue (and make the emails very very public).</p>
<p>What can I do? Any lawyers in Philadelphia want a case?</p>
<p><a href="mailto:mrd4331@yahoo.com">mrd4331@yahoo.com</a></p>