ATLANTA — As podcasts and independent blogs continue to shape the modern media landscape, their growing influence has raised an important question: how well do these platforms adhere to the foundational principles of journalism?  At first, many journalists—including this reporter—believe d there was room for everyone in the information ecosystem. That view, however, has shifted as an increasing number of podcast investigations have emerged that appear to lack rigorous sourcing, institutional verification, and balance.  One such case involves Dr. Rashad Richey, an Emmy-nominated broadcaster, political strategist, professor, and business executive who has been publicly questioned by bloggers and podcasters over the legitimacy of his extensive academic record.    Several podcasters alleged that Richey’s qualifying degrees were fake, issued by diploma mills, or obtained from unaccredited institutions, arguing that earning 10 to 12 advanced degrees over roughly 25 years was implausible. The claims relied largely on internet searches and social media commentary, prompting a fact-checking effort that instead focused on direct institutional confirmation, institutional records, and recognized credential-evaluation processes.  Independent reviews were conducted through organizations affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which is the US Department of State’s preferred credential/degree evaluator to assess accredited academic credentials earned abroad for U.S. equivalency. Documentation reviewed and independent institutional confirmations during the investigation confirms that Richey earned both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Laws from Renaissance University. Contrary to online claims, the degrees were issued by the university’s campus in Port-au-Prince, and the institution’s website shows they have an academic partnership with The Faculty of Law at the University of Montreal, a top ranked law school. Richey’s earned law degree does say, “Juris Doctor”.  NACES member course-by-course evaluation report for U.S. bar eligibility, shows that Richey transferred 78 credit hours from U.S. based law schools and completed additional coursework at Renaissance University through their Legal Sciences Department, including studies in human rights and international law. His JD was formally awarded in October 2023 and determined to be equivalent to a U.S. JD, making him bar eligible in most US jurisdictions, with certain cures varying by state, as is standard for foreign-equivalent law degrees. Richey’ membership in the law fraternity, Delta Theta Phi, was also confirmed. We confirmed additional academic records, including completing doctoral research studies from Clark Atlanta University, in Higher Education, where Richey’s research focused on higher education policy reform, under the supervision of tenured professor and renowned scholar, Dr. Chike Akua. Additionally, we confirmed that Richey’s PhD by Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, Quantum Physics concentration, was a 3.5 year academic pilot program completed through the Paris Graduate School (PGS) in collaboration with Morgan State University Department of Physics and Engineering Physics-Chair. PGS has an approved PhD by Research program, is registered with the French Ministry of Education, has Qualiopi and BCI France accreditation/certification and the NACES member agency report list the institution accreditation status as “Regionally Accredited”. Richey defended his doctoral research in Paris, France, on the campus of Paris Graduate School, with faculty representation from both Morgan State University and PGS present. The doctoral committee chair, Physicist Dr. Willie Rockward, who served as professor of physics and department chair of physics at Morgan State University during Richey’s studies, provided a letter of attestation from MSU for the program, saying in part…  “As Chairman of the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics at Morgan State University (MSU), I mentor and guide some of the brightest scholars in the physics community and was honored to serve as chairman of Dr. Richey’s dissertation committee, fostering collaboration with PGS…”  He further states, “Dr. Richey’s research and doctoral dissertation in quantum programmed metamaterials culminates a 3.5 year rigorous investigation, yielding novel contributions to quantum physics including enhanced optical properties for medical and therapeutic applications. His work incorporates comprehensive experimental data, high-resolution images, and video documentation, ensuring empirical validity. The IKI-PGS model, emphasizing independent research and original scholarship, aligns with MSU’s standards in engineering physics. Dr. Richey’s thesis advances quantum materials science with utilities such as the NBED prototype for energy-efficient computing and biomedical therapies… This letter supports his portfolio, confirming the scholarly excellence of his research.”, Dr. W. Rockward  A NACES member evaluation confirms Richey’s PhD in Quantum Physics from the college in Paris, France is in fact US equivalent, affirming Richey is qualified for employment in the United States where the expertise of a physicist specializing in quantum physics is needed.  Another online allegation centered on Richey’s postdoctoral program at Azteca University, where he earned a Doctor of Laws (LLD), with a concentration in Immigration Law. Critics claimed the institution lacked accreditation recognized in the United States. Experts note that this argument is misleading, as the university is in Mexico and accredited by the Government of Mexico and other accrediting agencies. US based accreditation does not apply and the American Bar Association does not accredit postdoctoral law programs anywhere in the world and only evaluates U.S.-based Juris Doctor programs. There is no record of Richey making any claim that his postdoctoral program was ABA accredited. Records reviewed include a doctoral thesis assessment from Azteca Universityt, examination board documentation, and final grading materials confirming Richey was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree with a research dissertation focused on immigration policy, economic markets, and legal rulings. One of Richey’s professors and doctoral committee member, Professor Saavedra said in a 2024 MediTech article,   It was an honor having Dr. Richey as a student scholar. His doctoral research thesis received some of the highest marks possible from the doctoral committee supervisors. A true statement to Dr. Richey’s scholarship. We’re proud that he is now an international alumnus of Azteca University — this is the type of scholar our university is proud to have as a great professional model for our future government and for our student community. We’re looking forward to Dr. Richey marching across the stage at this year’s graduation…”, Dr. Saavedra    We also checked the claim that Richey earned his Master of Science in Neurophysics from the IIC University of Technology. Once again, the institution confirmed Dr. Richey enrolled and completed a 2-year, 45 credit academic graduate program in Neurophysics through their Mathematics and Science Department. We also reviewed transcripts and his student portal for assignments, affirming the program of study with qualified faculty. The university is located in Southeast Asia, has an international student program for English speaking students, and accredited by their ministry of education. The university also receives favorable NACES member evaluations for US degree equivalency. We additionally confirmed Richey’s other qualifying degrees, including his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and MBA from US-based Beulah Heights University in Atlanta, Georgia, all accredited institutions.  In an interview, Richey said he never publicly promoted the number of degrees he holds and described his academic pursuits as driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to create opportunities for others. While he has additional education and training, including seminary studies, the investigation focused on his qualifying degrees listed on the faculty page of the university website that employs him, establishing his credentials to be a professor in the discipline. He also spoke about growing up in gang culture, early interactions with the juvenile justice system, and the obstacles he faced gaining admission to law school—experiences he says shaped both his academic path and professional outlook.  Media analysts say the controversy underscores a broader challenge in the digital era: distinguishing journalism from blog-style investigations. Traditional journalism relies on primary-source verification, consultation with accrediting or governing bodies, multiple independent confirmations, and providing subjects with the opportunity to respond. By contrast, many online investigations rely heavily on search results and assumptions, which can oversimplify complex systems such as international accreditation and credential evaluation.  Based on direct confirmations with institutions, professional credential evaluation agencies (NACES), institutional documentation, and direct interviews, the investigation found no evidence supporting claims that Dr. Rashad Richey’s degrees are fraudulent, or that he has misrepresented his credentials, and much of his research is peer-reviewed and published. Those who made the allegations were contacted and asked to provide documentation supporting their claims but did not produce additional evidence. Richey has since retained legal counsel with Evans and Bowers Law Firm, specializing in defamation claims.  As independent media platforms continue to expand, journalism experts say the case serves as a reminder that accuracy, sourcing, and fairness remain essential—regardless of platform.  The post Investigative Report Confirms, Dr. Rashad Richey’s Degrees are Accredited, YouTubers Had No Response   appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less