The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently suspended its contract with the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) after a lengthy dispute over how to regulate for-profit and out-of-state schools, KCBX Central Coast Public Radio reported.
The decision, effective October 1, ends the state agency's ability to authorize colleges to be eligible to receive funds from Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. The VA will now determine veterans' benefits eligibility in the state, department officials said Friday.
California officials maintain that state law entitles them to carry out those responsibilities and that the state agency will seek to retain that authority, according to KCBX.
The VA has had several complex disputes with CSAAVE related to the state agency's attempts to crack down on online programs offered by out-of-state providers as well as its oversight of for-profit colleges, particularly a long-running conflict over Ashford University, Inside Higher Ed reported.
VA spokesperson Christina Mandreucci said the department will work closely with the state agency to ensure California veterans can use their education benefits at approved schools.
Related Links
KCBX Central Coast Public Radio
https://www.kcbx.org/post/va-yanks-authority-california-agency-overseeing-veterans-education
Inside Higher Ed
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2019/09/09/va-suspends-calif-agencys-authority