The COVID-19 pandemic brought a series of unprecedented challenges to the lives of college students across the country. Classes shifted online, campuses closed, and many students faced not only academic and social disruptions but also disciplinary and even legal complications. Now, even as schools gradually return to a semblance of normalcy, many students are left grappling with lingering issues that arose during the pandemic. These complications include unresolved disciplinary actions, lawsuits against schools for failing to provide the education students paid for, and the enforcement of outdated or unfair COVID policies.
At the Lento Law Firm, we recognize the ongoing impact of these challenges. Our Student Defense Team has nationwide experience in helping college students who find themselves in ongoing disputes or conflicts with their schools stemming from the pandemic. Whether you're dealing with unresolved misconduct allegations, academic progression issues, or the fallout from your school's pandemic-related decisions, the extraordinary circumstances brought on by the COVID pandemic did not negate your rights to due process. We'll work to make sure those rights are upheld while seeking the most favorable outcome possible for you. To schedule a consultation, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
Lingering Disciplinary Issues from COVID
One of the most significant disruptions caused by the pandemic was the sudden halt of on-campus proceedings, including disciplinary actions for students accused of misconduct. In the rush to shut down campuses and transition to remote learning, many schools put ongoing investigations or disciplinary cases on hold. Now that colleges and universities are reopening, these cases are resurfacing, leaving students unsure of how to proceed.
Misconduct Allegations
For students who faced allegations of misconduct before or during the pandemic, the delay in resolving these cases can have significant consequences. These could include:
- Academic Misconduct: Many students were accused of academic misconduct during the shift to online learning. With exams and assignments being conducted remotely, allegations of cheating, plagiarism, or other academic integrity violations increased. However, in some cases, the evidence presented by schools is inadequate or unfair due to the challenges posed by remote learning environments.
- Behavioral Misconduct: Pre-existing accusations of behavioral misconduct—such as violations of student codes of conduct, drug or alcohol use, or campus housing violations—were often delayed due to the closure of campuses. Students now face the resumption of disciplinary processes with limited support and guidance, potentially leading to outcomes that can affect their academic careers.
The challenge many students face is that the extended timeline for these cases has complicated their ability to gather evidence, secure credible witnesses, and prepare an adequate defense. Furthermore, students may have graduated or transferred to another school during the pandemic, making it even more difficult to resolve these matters fairly.
The Lento Law Firm Team can help you navigate these lingering disciplinary actions by ensuring that they receive due process, have access to the necessary resources, and are treated fairly under the law. We can assist with:
- Reviewing the evidence presented against you
- Preparing your defense for academic or behavioral misconduct charges
- Negotiating settlements or alternative resolutions with your school
- Appealing unfair decisions made by your school
Academic Progression Issues
Another common challenge students are facing is the disruption of their academic progress due to the pandemic. Many students experienced interruptions to their education, with some unable to complete courses or internships required for graduation. Schools may now be enforcing academic progression policies in a way that harms students who were unable to meet these requirements during COVID.
For example, some students may face the following issues:
- Incomplete Coursework: Many students were unable to complete assignments, projects, or labs due to the sudden shift to online learning. Schools may now be penalizing students for these incomplete courses, preventing them from graduating or progressing to the next academic year.
- Failed Courses: The learning curve associated with remote instruction left many students struggling to keep up with coursework, leading to failing grades. However, in some cases, students were not provided with adequate support to succeed in these challenging circumstances.
- Delayed Internships or Clinical Hours: For students in fields such as healthcare or education, the pandemic disrupted critical internships or clinical placements, delaying their ability to meet graduation or licensure requirements.
At the Lento Law Firm, we understand how important it is for students to continue their education without unnecessary barriers. If your academic progress has been unfairly affected by your school's policies during the pandemic, or if you are now facing consequences like unfair grades, remedial requirements, or academic dismissal due to incomplete work, we can help you appeal those decisions or negotiate alternative solutions that allow you to complete your degree plan in a timely manner.
Lingering Breach of Contract Lawsuits
One of the most significant legal battles to emerge from the pandemic involved breach of contract claims filed by students against their schools. Many students felt that their institutions failed to deliver the education and campus experience they had paid for, particularly after colleges moved classes online or closed entirely. As a result, a wave of lawsuits emerged, with students seeking compensation for tuition, fees, and housing costs they believed were unjustified under the circumstances.
Understanding Breach of Contract Claims
A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contractual agreement. In the context of higher education, many students argued that they entered into a contract with their schools when they paid tuition and fees for on-campus education. When the pandemic forced institutions to move online or shut down, students felt that they were not receiving the value of the education they had been promised.
Common claims in these lawsuits include:
- Tuition and Fees: Students paid full tuition for what they expected to be in-person classes, access to facilities, and a variety of campus services. However, once classes shifted online, many students argued that the quality of their education diminished, making the tuition charge unfair.
- Housing and Meal Plans: Many students were forced to leave campus housing in the middle of the semester but were not refunded for the remainder of their housing or meal plans. Some schools offered partial refunds, but others did not provide any compensation.
- Campus Services: Students also paid for access to libraries, fitness centers, student activities, and other services that were no longer available during the pandemic. Again, some students received no refunds or adjustments to account for these losses.
While some cases have been settled, many are still ongoing. If you believe your school failed to uphold its contractual obligations during the pandemic, you may still have legal recourse. The Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm can review your case, assess the merits of your breach of contract claim, and help you pursue compensation if appropriate.
Challenging Unfair COVID Policies Still in Place
While many health experts now agree that COVID has become more endemic and less of a threat due to "herd immunity," some schools have maintained or reintroduced policies in response to COVID flare-ups. These policies may include mask mandates, restrictions on gatherings, and limitations on in-person classes or activities. While these measures are intended to protect public health, they can sometimes be implemented unfairly or without proper consideration of student rights.
For example, students may encounter the following issues:
- Masking Requirements: Some schools have reintroduced mask mandates, while others have removed them entirely. This inconsistent application of policies can lead to confusion, with some students feeling unfairly targeted or penalized for non-compliance.
- Quarantine and Isolation Policies: Students exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19 may be subject to quarantine or isolation measures that disrupt their ability to attend classes or participate in campus activities. In some cases, these policies may be overly restrictive or unequally enforced.
- Remote Learning Mandates: In response to local outbreaks, some schools may revert to online learning or hybrid models. This can create challenges for students who rely on in-person instruction or need access to campus resources to succeed academically.
If you believe your school's COVID policies are unfairly affecting your education or quality of life, you have the right to challenge these decisions. The Lento Law Firm can help you:
- Assess whether your school's policies are reasonable and in line with current public health guidelines
- Determine whether these policies are being enforced in a fair and non-discriminatory manner
- Challenge policies that are unnecessarily punitive or harmful to your education
How the Lento Law Firm Can Help
Navigating the legal challenges that stem from the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming for college students. Without proper legal guidance from an experienced education law attorney, you could be experiencing a violation of your rights without even knowing it--and if the penalties are severe, such as suspension or dismissal, the long-term repercussions on your academic and professional future cannot be overstated. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team is here to provide skilled legal representation and support for students dealing with the ongoing fallout of the pandemic. Here are some ways we can help:
- Disciplinary Defense: We can assist you in navigating disciplinary hearings, helping you build a strong defense, and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.
- Academic Appeals: If your academic progress has been unfairly affected by COVID-related policies, we can help you file appeals or negotiate alternative solutions with your school.
- Breach of Contract Claims: We can assist you in pursuing compensation for tuition, housing, or fees they believe were unjustly charged during the pandemic.
- COVID Policy Challenges: If your school is enforcing policies that unfairly impact your education or campus life--or if these policies contradict the school's own written policies elsewhere--we can help you challenge these decisions and seek a fair resolution.
At the Lento Law Firm, we are committed to fighting for the rights of students and ensuring that they receive fair treatment from their schools. If you're dealing with a COVID-related issue with your college or university, don't attempt to face these battles alone. We can help you resolve the matter and move forward with your education. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or reach out using our convenient online form.
Updated 10/2024
