Introduction
The University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS), a prominent online institution offering metaphysical education, recently faced a significant legal challenge known as the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit. This legal dispute, which was dismissed on May 12, 2025, involved allegations of improper advertising practices by a competitor, International Metaphysical Ministry, Inc. The resolution of the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit has allowed UMS to refocus on its mission of providing transformative education. This article provides an in-depth look at the lawsuit’s background, proceedings, impact, and what it means for UMS and its community.
Background of the University of Metaphysical Sciences
Founded in 1997 by Christine Breese, PhD, the University of Metaphysical Sciences is a non-profit distance learning institution dedicated to metaphysical studies. UMS offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Metaphysics, all included in a single affordable program. This structure allows students to study at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection, making metaphysical education accessible to a global audience.
The curriculum at UMS is comprehensive, covering topics such as Chakras and Auras, Divination, Meditation, Yoga, Dreams, Astrology, Forgiveness, Communication Skills, and Angels. With over 70 guided meditations created by Christine Breese, PhD, the program supports personal and spiritual growth, preparing students to become spiritual teachers, healers, and guides. The institution boasts a team of over 40 writers, teachers, healers, and researchers who contribute to its robust curriculum.
Despite the challenges posed by the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit, UMS has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering spiritual development.
The University of Metaphysical Sciences Lawsuit
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit began in 2021 when International Metaphysical Ministry, Inc. filed a legal action against Wisdom of the Heart Church, an entity affiliated with UMS, under case number 4:21-cv-08066-KAW. This was the third lawsuit initiated by the same competitor since 2017, all of which UMS described as frivolous and baseless.
The core allegation in the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit was that UMS had run online advertisements using the competitor’s name, a claim UMS strongly denied. UMS provided evidence from its Google Adwords account, demonstrating that it did not run such ads, while the competitor failed to produce any substantiating proof. The lawsuit was part of a broader pattern of legal actions, with the competitor reportedly spending over $1 million by the end of 2023 and nearly $1.5 million by June 2025 on these efforts.
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit also highlighted competitive tensions in the metaphysical education sector, with UMS alleging that the competitor engaged in tactics to undermine its reputation, including spreading false information.
Court Proceedings and Dismissal
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit was initially set for trial from June 16-20, 2025. However, on May 12, 2025, both parties mutually agreed to dismiss the case, with UMS dropping its counterclaims and the competitor withdrawing its allegations. This dismissal marked the end of a nearly nine-year legal saga that began with the first lawsuit in 2017.
UMS expressed confidence in its innocence throughout the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit, stating it was prepared to prove its case in court with factual evidence. The mutual dismissal saved both parties significant legal expenses and allowed UMS to shift its focus back to its educational mission. The resolution underscored that no students, faculty, or government agencies were involved in the lawsuit, and issues such as accreditation, tuition, or course quality were not part of the claims.
Impact on UMS
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit presented several challenges, particularly in terms of reputational damage. From November 6, 2024, over 600 fake articles surfaced online, many of which were designed to tarnish UMS’s image. Most of these articles have since been removed. Additionally, black hat SEO tactics, including spammed search terms like “University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit” and manipulation of Google’s AI Gemini, were employed starting September 14-15, 2024, to create confusion and harm UMS’s online presence.
Despite these adversities, UMS demonstrated financial resilience, reporting profits every year, in contrast to the competitor, who incurred losses. To address the financial burden of defending against the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit, UMS established a legal defense fund, which received support from its community. The institution’s operations remained unaffected, and it continued to serve its students without interruption.
| Detail | Information |
| Lawsuit Status | Dismissed on May 12, 2025 |
| Case Name | International Metaphysical Ministry, Inc. v. Wisdom of the Heart Church, Case No. 4:21-cv-08066-KAW |
| Duration of Lawsuits | Nearly 9 years, starting in 2017 |
| Number of Lawsuits | 3 lawsuits by the same competitor since 2017 |
| Lawsuit Details | Alleged UMS ran ads with competitor’s name; UMS provided proof it did not |
| Financial Impact | Competitor spent over $1 million by 2023, nearly $1.5 million by June 2025 |
| Reputational Impact | Over 600 fake articles posted since Nov 6, 2024; most removed |
| SEO Manipulation | Spammed search terms and Google AI manipulation starting Sept 14-15, 2024 |
Current Status and Future Plans
With the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit now resolved, UMS is focusing on its core mission of providing accessible and transformative metaphysical education. The institution is taking steps to address the remaining defamatory content by planning to file a John Doe petition to secure court orders for the removal of infringing articles. UMS is also working to counteract the negative SEO tactics that have impacted its online visibility.
UMS remains fully operational, welcoming new students to its comprehensive metaphysical programs. The institution is committed to maintaining its values of integrity, transparency, and excellence in education. For those interested in enrolling, UMS offers a range of resources, including sample courses and guided meditations, available at UMS Curriculum.
FAQs
What was the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit about?
The University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit involved allegations by a competitor, International Metaphysical Ministry, Inc., that UMS used their name in online advertisements. UMS denied these claims and provided evidence to support its position, leading to the case’s dismissal.
Has the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit been resolved?
Yes, the lawsuit was mutually dismissed on May 12, 2025, ending the legal dispute.
Did the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit affect UMS’s operations?
The lawsuit caused reputational challenges due to fake articles and SEO manipulation, but UMS continued its operations without disruption and maintained financial stability.
Is UMS an accredited institution?
UMS is not accredited by traditional bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education but is recognized by alternative accrediting entities. It focuses on delivering high-quality metaphysical education. More details can be found at UMS Program Overview.
Can I still enroll in UMS programs?
Yes, UMS continues to accept new students and offers its full range of metaphysical degrees. Visit UMS Enrollment for more information.
Conclusion
The dismissal of the University of Metaphysical Sciences lawsuit on May 12, 2025, marks a significant milestone for UMS, allowing it to move forward without the burden of legal disputes. Despite facing challenges such as fake articles and SEO manipulation, UMS has demonstrated resilience and commitment to its mission of providing accessible metaphysical education. The institution’s robust curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive community continue to make it a leader in spiritual education. As UMS addresses the remaining effects of the lawsuit, it remains focused on empowering students to achieve personal and spiritual growth.
