JACKSON, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Law Firm of Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC (Rainey Kizer) has obtained voluntary dismissal of a case alleging that their client, the Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange® (WISE® Foundation) was engaged in human trafficking for profit. The voluntary dismissal notice was filed on December 6, 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, Southern Division.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys had listed the WISE Foundation among the defendants in a suit alleging violations pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
“The suit alleged that the WISE Foundation was one of multiple parties involved in bringing workers to the United States on H-2B (guest worker) visas, then abusing the workers. My client brings international students to the United States on J-1 (student) visas, but does not and has not used H-2B visas,” said Rainey Kizer attorney Nathan Shelby.
“It appears that two plaintiffs had previously participated in the WISE Foundation program. These plaintiffs were in no way associated with the WISE Foundation or its programs at the time the alleged violations occurred. Our firm presented the plaintiffs’ attorney with documents supporting these facts, leading to the dismissal,” Shelby explained.
“It was horrifying to be charged with something as heinous as human trafficking,” said Dave Dahl, executive director of the WISE Foundation. “We are relieved the suit has been dismissed, but we still have the challenge of ensuring that program participants, future participants, and foundation supporters are aware that there was no merit to the allegations.”
About Rainey Kizer
Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, PLC is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was named a Go-To Firm® by Fortune 500 general counsels. The full-service law firm with offices in Jackson and Memphis, TN represents local, state, and national clients before state and federal courts and regulatory agencies throughout the Mid-South. For more information visit www.raineykizer.com.
About the Wise® Foundation
The Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange® (WISE®) is a non-profit organization providing international exchange opportunities to students, youth and adults. WISE® offers a number of programs for international students, young professionals and adults as well as outbound programs for American youth wishing to travel overseas.