UConn Sued For Tuition Refunds On 'Subpar' Remote Learning Claims

STORRS, CT — A lawsuit filed on Long Island against the University of Connecticut is seeking reimbursement of tuition and fees over a class-action range while claiming online, remote learning employed during the coronavirus pandemic has been less than adequate.

The suit was filed Monday at the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York. The named defendant is a resident of Nassau County. His daughter is an undergraduate student at UConn, accordng to the filing.

UConn moved to online classes in mid-March amid coronavirus restrictions imposed by Gov. Ned Lamont. To see UConn's pandemic policies click here. UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz said the university does not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit claims remote learning has been "subpar" and students paid for the hands-on experience.

It also claims students paid for access to certain facilities and resources like labs and libraries, adding, "(UConn) has not delivered the educational services, facilities, access and/or opportunities that (the plaintiff) and the putative class contracted and paid for. The online learning options being offered to UConn students are subpar in practically every aspect, from the lack of facilities, materials, and access to faculty."

It continues, "Students have been deprived of the opportunity for collaborative learning and in-person dialogue, feedback, and critique. The remote learning options are in no way the equivalent of the in-person education that plaintiff and the putative class members contracted and paid for."

The lawsuit is seeking pro-rated reimbursement for tuition and/or fees paid to UConn for the Spring 2020 semester.

The lawsuit identified the plaintiff's daughter as student with a double-major in psychology and women's studies.

The lawsuit claims, "Both the psychology and women's studies program at UConn rely extensively on in-person instruction, meaningful student presentations, peer collaboration, and access to university facilities. None of these resources are available to (the plaintiff's) daughter while in-person classes are suspended."

The family paid "approximately" $18,233 in tuition and $1,799 in fees for the spring 2020 semester, according to the lawsuit.