WHAT IF THE FACTS WERE DIFFERENT? Suppose that instead of offering to pay for a transcript, Kuehn had tried to obtain one on credit. Would the university’s refusal to provide one on that basis have led to the same result? Why or why not?

THE ETHICAL DIMENSION Some might say that higher education institutions should be able to use all methods possible to collect unpaid tuition, including withholding certified grade transcripts. What ethical issues would this approach raise?

Stefanie Kuehn, an art teacher, obtained a master’s degree at Cardinal Stritch University in Wisconsin. But when Kuehn asked for a transcript—which was required to receive an increase in salary from her school district—the university refused because she owed more than $6,000 in tuition. Kuehn offered to pay the nominal transcript fee but not the tuition. She then filed a petition in a federal bankruptcy court, listing the university as her only creditor. While the case was pending, she again asked for a transcript. The university once more refused unless she paid the tuition. Kuehn complained to the court, which ordered the university to provide a transcript. A federal district court affirmed the order. The university appealed.