Here is the text of a petition posted on MoveOn.org:

“We’re big fans of Ellen DeGeneres and her fights for progressive values, which is why we couldn’t believe she’s partnering with the Apollo Group’s The University of Phoenix- one of the most notorious of the predatory “for-profit” colleges.

“She announced her partnership in the “Rise to Dream” contest, where 10 “lucky” entrants will win a $25,000 scholarship to University of Phoenix. Ellen promoted this on her show and on her social media platforms, giving Phoenix free promotion, despite its terrible track record for students and its contribution to the $1.3 trillion student debt crisis.

“Ellen, please drop your partnership with The University of Phoenix immediately.

PETITION BACKGROUND

“Figures from ForProfitU.org report that only 13% of those who enrolled in the for-profit University of Phoenix had received their bachelor’s degree as of 2012. Phoenix’s parent company Apollo Group received over $800 million in federal Pell Grants in 2013 — the most of any college in the country. Meanwhile, The University of Phoenix has been the subject of numerous federal investigations, as well as by Attorneys General in a number of states around the country, for its practices and the quality of educations enrollees receive.

“Lastly, the National Center for Education Statistics reported Phoenix gets $12,000 per student in tuition but spends $1,600 on actual instruction.

“Ellen, the student loan debt crisis is threatening the American Dream for tens of millions of student loan borrowers. The University of Phoenix deserves not your seal of approval, but condemnation and derision. If you don’t believe us, talk to people we know who have paid for Phoenix about their experience and the quality of instruction they received.”

If you would like to add your name to this petition, you can do so at: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/tell-ellen-degeneres?mailing_id=34140&source=s.icn.em.cr&amp%3Br_by=5462310&r_by=3856135.