RECENT LAWSUITS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: If successful, this case has the potential to reshape the future of veterinary education and expand access to veterinary care.

NEW LAWSUIT FILED BY NON-FOR-PROFIT LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF HARROGATE, TN:

Click here to access the press release and complete legal filing.

Largest U.S. Veterinary School Takes Legal Action to Protect Consumers and Their Pets (6.18.25)
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/largest-us-veterinary-school-takes-legal-action-to-protect-consumers-and-their-pets-302484550.html

  • “To preserve our nation’s free market system and defend access to the veterinary profession, Lincoln Memorial University, home of the Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine, has sued the AVMA to challenge its anticompetitive accreditation practices that illegally restrict the number of accredited schools of veterinary medicine, the output of veterinary students, and ultimately, the number of veterinarians in the United States” according to the press release.
  • “Lincoln Memorial University seeks no money damages from its lawsuit, only an injunction to stop the AVMA from continuing to implement its accreditation standards in an unreasonable and anticompetitive manner” according to the press release.
  • “In addition, Lincoln Memorial University requests that the Court implement a long-term solution to the problem created by the AVMA’s anticompetitive behavior: the complete and total separation of the veterinary accrediting body (the AVMA Council on Education) from the economically self-interested trade association (the AVMA) in which it operates. These remedies are necessary to restore free and unrestricted competition in the markets affected by the AVMA’s unlawful actions” according to the press release.

Lincoln Memorial sues AVMA over accreditation (6.18.25)
https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&catId=611&Id=12718954

  • The school says “the AVMA decided to suddenly take issue with the research programs” at LMU “at the same time that the AVMA began making public comments about the threat to the veterinary services market presented by the anticipated increase in the number of veterinary schools” according to the VIN News Service.

Lawsuits! Interns, LMU, the AVMA, and more! (7.24.25) – Cone of Shame Podcast Episode 343
https://drandyroark.com/lawsuits-and-more/

  • Dr. Lance Roasa joins Dr. Andy Roark on this podcast episode to break down the headline-making legal battle: LMU suing the AVMA over accreditation practices. Explores the bigger forces at play (like venture capital and consumer demand), and debate what all this means for the profession’s future.

reddit: Lincoln Memorial University Sues AVMA
https://www.reddit.com/r/veterinaryschool/comments/1lj0xqq/lincoln_memorial_university_sues_avma/