Breaking News

University of the Arts Sued Over Abrupt Closure
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Lawsuit Alleges Violation of Employment Laws

Employees of the University of the Arts have filed a lawsuit against the institution, claiming it violated federal and state employment laws by providing only a week’s notice before its closure. This marks the first legal action targeting the private college following its sudden announcement on May 31 that it would cease operations by June 7. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, underscores the unprecedented nature of a nonprofit college shutting down so abruptly.

Want to know if you’re earning what you deserve? Find out with LawCrossing’s salary surveys.

Allegations of Legal Violations

The university is accused of breaching Pennsylvania’s Wage Payment and Collection Law and the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN Act). The WARN Act mandates that employers with 100 or more workers must provide at least 60 days written notice before a mass layoff. The proposed class action was brought by eight employees, including professors and program directors, seeking damages equivalent to 60 days of wages, accrued holiday and vacation pay, and retirement plan benefits. These employees were among more than 100 faculty and staff terminated around the time of the closure announcement.

  
What
Where


Impact on Staff and Students

Before the closure, the University of the Arts had 77 full-time faculty members serving approximately 1,300 students. The arts school, which prides itself on being the largest of its kind in the nation, was established in 1876 and attained university status in 1987. President Kerry Walk, who announced the closure and resigned earlier this week, cited long-standing financial difficulties as the cause, including years of declining enrollments and revenues coupled with rising expenses.

Stay up-to-date without the overwhelming noise. Subscribe to JDJournal for a curated selection of the most relevant legal news.

Financial Hardships and Sudden Closure

In a written statement on May 31, President Walk and Judson Aaron, chair of the university’s board of trustees, explained the financial challenges the university faced. “We could not overcome the ultimate challenge we faced: with a cash position that has steadily weakened, we could not cover significant, unanticipated expenses,” the statement read. The situation reportedly became critical very suddenly, and despite rapid efforts, the university could not bridge the financial gaps.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Broader Context of Financial Struggles in Higher Education

The closure of the University of the Arts is reflective of a broader trend affecting small US colleges nationwide, which are grappling with rising costs, declining enrollments, and demographic shifts. This financial strain has led to Fitch Ratings downgrading the university’s credit rating from B+ to C on Tuesday.

Current Status and Legal Proceedings

The University of the Arts did not respond to Bloomberg Law’s request for comment on Wednesday. The lawsuit, filed under the case name Schutts v. University of the Arts, E.D. Pa., No. 2:24-cv-02420, is seeking redress for the affected employees.



Don’t be a silent ninja! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Associate Attorney

USA-PA-Exton

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY McKenna Snyder LLC, a law firm in Exton, PA has an immediate opening for an ex...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Sturgis

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Attorney

USA-MI-Coldwater

Qualifications: HaasCaywood is seeking associate attorneys for our Coldwater and Sturgis, Michiga...

Apply now

Deputy General Counsel / Senior Deputy General Counsel

USA-CA-Sacramento

Cal Cities Culture and Mission Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top