PHILADELPHIA - Being given only a week's notice is among the gripes filed by students affected by the sudden closure of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Plaintiffs Katherine Anderson and Ian Callaghan-Kenna filed a class action lawsuit June 12 in Philadelphia federal court against The University of the Arts (UArts).
The lawsuit arises from UArts' abrupt announcement on May 31, 2024, that it would permanently close its doors on June 7, 2024, citing financial instability. The plaintiffs allege that UArts failed to provide reasonable notice of the closure and did not offer a clear transition plan for students, leaving them displaced and uncertain about their educational futures.
The plaintiffs accuse UArts of breach of contract, breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, fraud, and violations of Pennsylvania's consumer protection statute. They seek to recover tuition fees paid for degree programs that will no longer be provided and other damages related to the university's failure to uphold its commitments.
The plaintiffs argue that UArts continued to enroll students and collect fees despite knowing about its impending closure. They also claim that UArts did not comply with state regulations requiring advance notice of school closures.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees.
Joseph Sauder of Sauder Schelkopf represents the plaintiffs.