Recently another chiropractic publication published an article stating that Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (SCSC) graduates were able to take the licensing examination in California. While it is not known why this article was printed, the fact is that it just isn't true.
Below, is a letter of response by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners which clarifies the question. If you still wish further information, you may call the California board at (916) 445-3244.
August 20, 1990
Donald M. Petersen, Jr.
Dynamic chiropractic
P.O. Box 6100
Huntington Beach, CA 92615
Dear Mr. Petersen:
You have questioned whether the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners is accepting applications to take the chiropractic licensure examination from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic graduates. The answer to the question at this time is no.
To be eligible to take the examination in California a student must have graduated from an institution having status with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Commissioner of Education, and be approved by California. Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic has not, at this time, been inspected or approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, or its duly authorized representative as required by law. Therefore, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic is not currently included on the Board's list of approved colleges.
Sincerely,
Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Vivian R. Davis
Executive Director
cc: Board Members with copy of August 13, 1990 inquiry.
Editor's Note: This kind of "journalism" not only destroys the credibility of the publication that printed the article, it reflects poorly on all of chiropractic's publications. But the worst consequences of this type of irresponsible reporting occurs when individuals who are depending on truthful information, make plans for their lives based upon fraud.
While some will want to see this as a "mixer/straight" issue, the publication of this false article has in fact caused more problems for SCSC and other SCASA college graduates than for anyone else in the chiropractic profession. Why was this article printed in the first place?
August 24, 1990 Ms. Kelli Price, Assistant Editor
Dynamic Chiropractic
P.O. Box 6100
Huntington Beach, Ca 92615
Dear Ms. Price:
At its June 7, 1990 business meeting, the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners voted to "put applicants on notice that the OBCCE is currently in the process of producing a list of approved chiropractic schools and colleges under the provisions of ORS Chapter 684". The board notified applicants from all chiropractic colleges that for the purposes of the July Oregon Proficiency Examination candidates from all schools would be allowed to sit the exams. This was done to allow the board time to evaluate standards of accreditation and school curricula criteria.
The Board intends to adopt as a policy a list of approved schools before the next Oregon Proficiency Examination in November 1990. This list may or may not include graduates from those colleges accredited by the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association (SCASA).
When a final list or a list of criteria is adopted by the OBCE, all chiropractic colleges will be contacted.
The quote issued in the press release from Sherman College was incomplete and drew the wrong conclusions. I hope this clarifies the board's position. If I can be of further assistance, please contact me.
Cordially,
Christie Joachim
Executive Director
