Olivet University’s Anza Land Rezoned for Housing

Olivet University’s Rezoning Approved Amidst Federal Investigation and Accreditation Concerns

Olivet University, a Christian college located in Anza, California, has secured approval from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to rezone a significant portion of its 1,000-acre property for residential development. This decision arrives during a period of intense scrutiny for the university, which is currently under federal investigation for alleged human labor trafficking, money laundering, and visa fraud, and is also facing potential loss of its accreditation.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Olivet University’s application to rezone over 958 acres of its land on Tripp Flats Road, situated north of Highway 371. The change from open rural to rural residential zoning now permits one single-family residence per 5 acres. Additionally, the rezoning allows for limited animal-keeping, agricultural activities, and small-scale commercial uses.

According to a staff report presented to the Board of Supervisors, Olivet University stated that the rezoning would facilitate the expansion of its existing campus.

Founded in 2004 in the Bay Area by Korean Christian pastor David Jang, Olivet University established its headquarters in Anza after purchasing the land in 2014. The private university also operates satellite campuses in Los Angeles, Mill Valley, Texas, Florida, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.

Threat to Accreditation

The rezoning approval occurred on June 24, just three weeks after the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE), Olivet’s accreditor, issued a “show-cause” order. This order requires the university to provide evidence by November 15 demonstrating why it should maintain its accreditation. The ABHE’s Commission on Accreditation determined that Olivet had failed to comply with several accreditation standards.

Olivet University is required to submit the following documentation to the ABHE:

• Official documentation from all relevant government agencies confirming its authority to award degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
• Written verification from California state officials confirming that granting credentials for nonreligious programs does not violate its religious exemption.
• Written documentation from the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS), a division of the U.S. National Security Investigations Division, confirming that all of Olivet’s commission-approved extension sites are approved by SEVIS for all current and future F-1 visa students.
• Updates on prior concerns raised by the commission or state regulators from 2022 to the present, outlining the steps the institution has taken to prevent similar issues in the future.

The ABHE has also requested documented proof of Olivet’s financial integrity, particularly concerning the flow of funds between the institution and its partners, businesses, and associated organizations.

Following Olivet’s submission of its report, the ABHE accreditation team will conduct an inspection at the Anza campus before December 15, followed by visits to all of Olivet’s satellite campuses by January 15, 2026.

In a letter to Olivet President Jonathan Park, Lisa Beatty, executive director for the ABHE’s Commission on Accreditation, warned that Olivet’s accreditation could be withdrawn unless the university provides persuasive evidence to the contrary.

Beatty’s letter also acknowledged the commission’s review of Olivet’s “teach-out plan,” which details how students will complete their coursework at Olivet or elsewhere if the school closes. The university retains its accreditation while under the show-cause order.

The ABHE’s accreditation commission will review Olivet’s show-cause report in February 2026. During this review, Olivet representatives will be present to answer questions. Based on its findings, the commission will either reaffirm Olivet’s accreditation or withdraw it.

License Revocation

Olivet’s recent challenges with its accreditor are part of a series of setbacks for the university.

Last December, an administrative law judge revoked Olivet’s license for failing to adhere to state educational guidelines and mandates, following a three-day hearing. The judge ordered the university to cease enrolling new students.

The revocation stemmed from an investigation in 2022 and 2023 by the Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), a division of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Investigators found 14 violations during site inspections at Olivet’s Anza and Mill Valley campuses, prompting the Attorney General to file a complaint in April 2023 on behalf of the BPPE.

However, Olivet remains accredited by the ABHE and continues to operate under a religious exemption, allowing it to offer education and degrees solely in the beliefs and practices of its church, religious denomination, or religious organization. Olivet maintains that this applies to the majority of its students, most of whom are international.

Federal Investigation

Since at least 2021, Homeland Security Investigations, the investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been investigating allegations of money laundering, human labor trafficking, and visa fraud at Olivet.

Furthermore, four former students have filed a federal lawsuit accusing the university of labor trafficking, alleging they were forced to work without pay after arriving at the Anza campus from other countries on full scholarships. The lawsuit has been stayed pending the federal investigation. A status report filed in U.S. District Court in Riverside noted that the criminal case against Olivet remains under investigation.

Olivet has denied all allegations.

Community Reaction

While some community members are suspicious, Olivet’s rezoning request was supported by over 50 individuals who wrote letters to Riverside County planners and supervisors. Local residents, business owners, and church pastors praised Olivet’s engagement and outreach in the High Desert community.

Aguanga resident Annika Knoppel, a licensed real estate agent and treasurer for Anza Community Broadcasting and the Hamilton Museum and Ranch Foundation, stated that Olivet students and staff have participated in fundraising events and donated food to a local food bank. She added that the university has also donated to the local radio station and Anza Community Hall.

Temecula resident Andre LaPlante, owner of MotoVentures motorcycle riding school in Anza, said Olivet has “been a blessing to our community.”

However, a few residents and property owners wrote letters opposing Olivet’s expansion plan, finding it unwarranted given the university’s history of problems.

John and Kathleen Petty, property owners in the affected area, stated that they believe the institution has engaged in suspicious and illegal behavior. They requested that the application be denied, asserting that Olivet University’s plans would not result in any sustainable benefit for the local community.

Dan Silver, executive director of the Los Angeles-based Endangered Habitats League, questioned Olivet’s intentions for the land, arguing that the proposed zoning change was unnecessary for its stated purpose and made no sense from a legal or planning perspective. He suggested that the proposal was more about real estate speculation, especially given the recent order for the school to close.

Future Development

Olivet University now has six months to present the county planning department with a development plan, outlining a full build-out/expansion scenario for future operations, according to Felisa Cardona, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Transportation and Land Management Agency. Any planned project must be approved by the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.

Olivet stated that it has no intention of selling its property but did not disclose its expansion plans.

The university expressed its gratitude “for the strong support of the Riverside County Board and the Anza community, as reflected in the unanimous approval of our application.”

Regarding its accreditation status and international enrollment, Olivet stated: “Olivet is committed to meeting all regulatory requirements and will continue working closely with relevant authorities.”