California Revokes Olivet University License Amid Allegations of Forced Labor & Record Failures

Following a months-long investigation sparked by student whistleblowers, California authorities ordered Olivet University to cease operations, effective January 10, 2025. In a landmark ruling on December 10, 2024, state officials cited widespread unpaid labor, restrictions on student freedom, and severe record-keeping violations. Among the survivors is Tingbo Cao, who shared his harrowing experiences of overwork and exploitation in a widely-covered Los Angeles Times investigation.

The court emphasized Olivet’s "cavalier attitude" toward state regulations and student safety, imposing significant fines and ending their license to operate in the state altogether. This decision followed previous controversies all over the United States, including fraud convictions in New York and loss of accreditation in multiple states.

Despite the ruling, Olivet claimed it would continue operations, prompting federal investigators to remain involved.

Visit News [link to news page] to learn more and see the Evidence [link to evidence page] to see it for yourself. And check out our survivor stories from those students who escaped David Jang’s nation-wide trafficking apparatus.

OlivetWatch will continue to document developments, support survivors, and hold Olivet University accountable.