To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter as a concerned student and a 100% disabled veteran who was recently removed from I.O.T. Clovis school under circumstances that I believe were unjust and discriminatory.
During my time at the school, I observed several troubling incidents that I feel compelled to bring to your attention. One of the most concerning involved a staff member, Mrs. R, who brought her personal dog—not a service animal—into the salon area and even allowed the dog onto the barber chairs. When I inquired whether I could bring my own service dog, I was told “no,” despite my legal right as a disabled veteran. I did not complain at the time, but this double standard was both disheartening and discriminatory.
I also witnessed unprofessional and inappropriate behavior from faculty. Ms. Dana, a salon teacher, made repeated suggestive remarks to students, including stating she would “spank them with a towel.” This, in my view, constitutes sexual harassment, yet no actions were taken to address it.
In terms of hygiene and state board compliance, the salon often fails to meet basic standards. Workstations are not properly sanitized between clients, and hair accumulates under chairs, indicating a lack of cleanliness that is unacceptable in a professional training environment. Mr. Leal, in particular, does not make students clean at all—his class is by far the dirtiest, which reflects a serious lack of professionalism and accountability.
Additionally, I believe there is grade and assignment manipulation occurring within the program. Students are often given credit for state board-required operations they did not perform, while others are unfairly graded based on favoritism or personal bias.
Another serious issue involves Mr. Leal, who has engaged in unprofessional conduct by speaking negatively about students with other students. He also failed to intervene when a student made a deeply offensive comment about my deceased mother. Despite being present and hearing the comment, Mr. Leal allowed the student to remain in class and did not report the incident to HR.
On one occasion, a student made a disrespectful comment regarding the weight of two female students. It was not until I stepped in to defend these individuals that the school even acknowledged the situation. Only after I spoke up did the school initiate an investigation. However, the student who made the inappropriate comment was still allowed to remain on campus, despite this behavior clearly violating the school’s own conduct codes and regulations.
I ultimately removed myself from a volatile situation that could have escalated had I not shown restraint. Instead of being acknowledged for handling the matter with maturity, I was removed from the school. As a disabled veteran, I expected to be treated with respect and fairness—not punished for doing the right thing.
This is not only a concern for the public, but also for all my fellow veterans who are being taken advantage of by not receiving the proper training required under state board regulations. Veterans deserve better when using their educational benefits and placing their trust in an institution that claims to support their career goals.
It is my belief that this institution, in its current condition, is not providing a safe, professional, or compliant environment for students. I urge you to investigate these matters thoroughly to protect the integrity of the program and the well-being of...
Read moreIf I could give this place 0 stars I would. I went in for cosmetology course. I met with Susan to inform me of what the school was about and how much they were wanting to charge. They gave a paper with what their tuition fee was going to be. Let’s just say it was a couple thousand even after aid. Having a family I was wanting not to waste money where I didn’t have too. They were charging 2,198 for supplies needed. I was wanting to save money on the CIMA book 499, iPad for 350, and starter kit for 781. Susan first gave me a supply list from 5 or 10 years ago for the starter kit but then gave me the current list after we asked the instructor. After going home with the list my total was around 500 dollars for the starter kit, the book was not even 300 and I already had a tablet. It seemed like they were upset because I was even asking questions. I went to orientation today and called around 10:15 because I was there but forgot to bring my tablet. The office answered around 10:34. I informed them that I forgot my tablet at home and was on my way to go get it. I was told it was fine and that they would catch me up on Monday when school started. When they sat me down with the group I was pulled out immediately by Susan and the president of the campus and was told that they would not allow me to continue because I was unprepared. I then told them to drop me from the course. The staff seemed upset because I was asking too many questions for something that I was going to be legally responsible for if I didn’t ask questions. They seem not to like people who do their research and read the contracts. Just beware before you sing the enrollment agreement. The enrollment papers they tell you that you have 7 days to cancel. Just know it’s really 3 days without any penalty. Anything after that you would be responsible for 15% of your tuition and no more than 150 dollars is what the school would receive. The only pleasant Person was josh from financial aid. He seemed to not have a problem with any question you...
Read moreI highly recommend this institution! I am a recent graduate of their LVN program. I've taken the NCLEX and passed the first time. IOT prepared me well for the test and I am now licensed. The support I received from the administration and staff was truly amazing.
Instructors and administration always opened their door to me when I had questions or concerns. I never felt like I couldn't ask a "silly question". AND believe me I had MANY while navigating this exciting time. The instructors became more than mentors and I enjoyed their stories and encouragement.
As I am searching for my job I am still supported by this school. My resume was created by them and I am checked up on. It's been a month since pinning and I've been back on campus to check in and I will continue to stop by. IOT became a second home to me and these people are now friends.
As a new LVN, I feel prepared to continue with my learning career and owe it to IOT and their staff! THANK YOU is not enough! NOW they need to get their bridge program up and I WILL be back for more.
IF you're considering becoming a nurse, DO IT!!! AND don't let age hold you back. I'm a little older than most, but age is just a number. I LOVE learning and IOT delivered! GO FOR IT!!!!
P.S. The taco truck at 10 am in the parking lot is good too. ...
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