Local students react to college admission scheme

Numerous people, including a who’s who of rich and famous parents, are facing charges in what’s being called ‘Operation Varsity Blues.’ It is the largest college admission scheme charged by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Investigators say at least 33 wealthy parents paid up to $6 million to a college consultant William Singer to guarantee admission into elite universities across the United States. Among those named was actress Felicity Huffman, who was released from federal custody on a quarter million dollar bond just signed by her husband William H Macy.

News Channel 3 caught up with Huffman a couple of years ago when she was starring in “American Crime” and asked how she keeps things real with her kids despite her Hollywood career.

“Our job is to see them clearly. It’s very difficult and although what you want to see is the best in them..and what you hope for them,” Huffman told News Channel 3.

It’s something local students are upset to hear about.

“I’m working my butt off to go to school and its not fair for people to lie and cheat to advance in life,” said Jasmine Escheverria, a student at Cal State San Bernardino.

“I find it really unfair because there are students who work really hard, even to get a scholarship,” said Yaritza Perez, a CSUSB student.

Students said getting into their chosen university required sleepless nights of studying.

“I work really hard on my exams and my SATs just to get this opportunity,” Perez said.

In many cases, prosecutors say Singer bribed individual college coaches from schools including Yale, Stanford, USC, and Georgetown among others.

Actress Lori Loughlin, former star of Full House, is also facing arrest. Her designer husband was arrested Tuesday. The couple allegedly paid $500,000 in bribes to get their two daughters considered as recruits for the USC crew team, this despite that fact that the girls didn’t row.

In many cases, students were unaware of the scam, all a disappointment to some local college students.

“It’s unfortunate that the parents took it into their own hands instead of having faith in their children,” said Stephanie Velez, a CSUSB student. “Knowing you worked hard for it, should mean more than anything.”