Community speakers urge Nevada cosmetology board not to close Institute of Las Vegas during disciplinary hearing

Several community members testified during the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology meeting on March 30 about services provided by the Cosmetology Institute of Las Vegas. Tiffany Alustin told the Board that staff at the school had provided compassionate, patient care for her young daughter during medical treatment and had built partnerships with local social service organizations that helped vulnerable children and seniors.

“I watched children arrive...they were met with patience, with respect, with care that did not feel rushed,” Alustin told the Board. She urged regulators to preserve the school’s community role while any compliance concerns are resolved.

Another commenter recommended the Board consider broader regulatory reforms to expand licensure pathways in cosmetology‑adjacent fields; a third described personal experiences attending a school boot camp and career‑exploration events run by the Institute.

Board members heard those comments after staff and counsel presented compliance and procedural testimony about recordkeeping and inspections. Public commenters’ appeals were entered into the hearing record but do not alter the Board’s evidentiary review; the Board emphasized that any formal disciplinary action would rest on the administrative record and applicable regulations.

The Board recessed and later adjourned the March 30 meeting with the disciplinary proceeding continued for closing arguments and deliberation at a later date.