Medical education

• Kashmiri v. University of California

Kashmiri v. University of California
2007 Cal. App. LEXIS 1803, as modified by 2007 Cal. App. LEXIS 1859
(Cal. App. 2007)

Issue

The issue in this case was whether the University of California (UC) breached a contract with its students by raising fees after it explicitly promised students otherwise.

AMA interest

The AMA supports financial accessibility of medical education to qualified candidates.

Case summary

This class action, filed by and on behalf of UC professional (including medical) students, alleged that UC breached a contractual obligation, under which it promised that professional students’ tuition fees would not be increased during their enrollment.  The trial court entered judgment in favor of the students, and the University appealed.  The California Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment and ordered that UC pay the costs of appeal.  The California Supreme Court denied UC's petition for review.

Litigation Center involvement

The Litigation Center filed an amicus brief in support of the students in the Court of Appeal.  The brief emphasized the crushing financial burdens entailed by a medical education and the disincentives aspiring medical students face if they are required to assume not only the tuition and other expenses determined as of the time they entered school but also subsequent increases. 

To view the brief, click here (PDF, 670KB).