YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Eastern Gateway Community College filed a complaint on Friday against the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) in light of an ongoing battle regarding the school's Free College Benefit Program.

The complaint is intended to bring clarification for over 30,000 students awaiting answers regarding future semesters, with enrollment for the spring 2023 semester opening in just one month.

College President Michael Geoghegan says the college says taking legal action was necessary to keep students enrolled in the college and that the DOE has not been responsive to their attempts to reach out.

"[The DOE has] not responded to our questions, have not commented on our proposed modifications, have not released the program review on which their actions are based, and have not permitted us to take advantage of the administrative appeals process," Geoghegan said.

The Free College Benefit Program has been operating for seven years. Recently, students learned that the program was not allowed to enroll new students into it and that current students were able to currently be registered for the fall semester.

"Our students are often first-generation college students trying to better their lives by earning an associate's degree. They are going to school to be nurses, social workers, paralegals, and accountants to better our communities. They deserve clear communication, and we will continue to advocate for their futures," Geoghegan said.