BRIEFS. education

Teacher credentials to be examined

Anticorruption prosecutor Yolanda Austin has asked the Ministerio de Educación for the academic records of about 100 teachers from across the country that may have received fake diplomas from the Universidad Especializada de las Américas (Udelas).

The prosecutor is investigating a complaint made by the university claiming that teachers who did not attend the school were purchasing fake diplomas to receive promotions.

Austin's preliminary investigation has uncovered some irregularities, and now she is expanding the scope.

The prosecutor plans to compare the university's records with those submitted by teachers. Those who used fake diplomas could face counterfeiting charges.

According to the prosecutor, allegations have been made that teachers paid about $200 for fake diplomas.

The fraudulent activity was uncovered when a large number of teachers claimed to have received degrees from the school, many more, in fact, than could have possibly been enrolled there.