University of Pennsylvania graduate student Mackenzie Fierceton was on top of the world and headed to the University of Oxford on a highly competitive Rhodes Scholarship—until two anonymous emails accusing her of lying on applications changed everything.

Fierceton's Alleged Dishonesty

A few days after The Philadelphia Inquirer announced in November 2020 that she had received the prestigious scholarship, an anonymous tipster emailed Penn administration and the Rhodes Trust alleging Fierceton had lied on her applications.

Although Fierceton legitimately met every academic and extracurricular measure either institution required, the allegation stated that she lied about her background—her upbringing, family, and economic circumstances.

In her undergraduate application to and numerous essays at Penn, and in her Rhodes Scholarship application, Fierceton had described herself as a low-income, first-generation college student with a history of severe abuse at home and a stint in the foster care system. The anonymous emailer alleged she had actually grown up in an affluent household and attended private school, that her grandfather had attended college, and that she had greatly exaggerated her abuse.

Penn and Rhodes Launch Independent Investigations

Could that type of dishonesty have influenced Penn's admission committee when Fierceton applied to grad school? The school had been working for the past several years to increase opportunities for low-income, first-gen students.

Aside from integrity and stellar academic performance, Rhodes Scholars must demonstrate a “moral sense of character,” an instinct to lead, and a commitment to one's fellow human beings. Although there is no evidence the Rhodes Trust favors students from disadvantaged backgrounds, could Fierceton's personal essay have set her apart and lent credibility to her stated goal of going on to help people like herself after graduation?

Severe Consequences for Dishonesty

Penn elected to withhold Fierceton's master's degree pending the final outcome of the investigation.

For months, they interviewed dozens of people in Fierceton's life pored over her medical records, middle school diaries, and police reports. Ultimately, the university failed to find her responsible for outright lying but stated in a communication with the Rhodes Trust that they had “suspicions” and suggested they investigate.

Rhodes concluded Fierceton had lied in a way that “served her interests as an applicant for competitive programs.” They recommended withdrawing her scholarship; however, Fierceton elected to withdraw from the program instead.

A Graduate Student Discipline Defense Advisor Ready to Assist You

If you have been accused of academic, professional, or sexual misconduct, you stand to lose all your hard-earned progress in school, your chances of continuing your education elsewhere, and your future career opportunities. If you are a graduate student facing charges, an investigation, or an academic hearing, it is vital that you work with a legal advisor you can trust.

The attorneys at LLF Law Firm have handled misconduct hearings, Title IX cases, and dismissal proceedings at graduate schools nationwide. To learn about your options, call the LLF Law Firm at 888-535-3686, or fill out our brief online form for more information.