(This article first appeared in Broad + Liberty)
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, also the Democrats’ nominee for auditor general in this November’s election, was sued in January by Drexel University for more than $36,000 in unpaid tuition and late fees, according to court documents.
A university ledger for Kenyatta’s account filed as an exhibit in the case shows the Philly-based politician began accruing a balance with Drexel in the spring of 2014, enrolling in the Graduate College of Arts and Sciences.
Kenyatta made several payments through much of 2014, but by November and December that year, the university began regularly assessing late payment fees against him that continued into 2017. He enrolled for more classes in 2019, but by 2021 the late payment fees began again — this time costing about $300 each month for 15 consecutive months.
“Although demand [for payment] therefore has been made repeatedly, the Defendant has failed to pay the balance due,” the filing says. The filing asks for the balance of $36,139, another $500 for attorney fees incurred thus far, while leaving the door open for more attorney fees plus interest.
A spokesperson for Kenyatta brushed the lawsuit aside, suggesting there was nothing unusual.
“Like millions of Americans, Rep. Kenyatta carries debt from pursuing higher education. This matter is no longer pending and was settled between the parties in 2024,” said spokesperson Mike Mikus.
Mikus provided a screenshot from February demonstrating a settlement between Kenyatta and Drexel. The screenshot is a text from Kenyatta’s attorney, Wade Albert, and shows a settlement amount of $37,585.
As a state legislator, Kenyatta earns a salary of $106,422 per year, plus an allowance of $185 each day for expenses.
Even with the outstanding balance, Drexel featured Kenyatta in an “alumni spotlight” article.
“On the value of his graduate education, Kenyatta remarks, ‘Everything I learned in the program enhanced my skills as a leader and a communicator to constituents. You have to be clear and concise in your message. You have to communicate in an accessible manner. You have to know what you’re talking about,’” the profile said.
The Philly Democrat was ensnared in controversy earlier this year before the primary election. While doing door-to-door campaigning, a woman’s in-home security camera recorded Kenyatta saying one of his Democratic opponents “don’t like Black people.”
“There’s the guy, Mark Pinsley, who I told you don’t like Black people,” Kenyatta said. “He’s still running so we’ll see if he can get on the ballot. I have no idea. He’s from the Lehigh Valley.”
Kenyatta will face off in November against Republican incumbent Tim DeFoor to be Pennsylvania’s “chief fiscal watchdog.”
