Student Files Class-Action Lawsuit against Liberty University over Pandemic Response

(RNS) — A student at Liberty University, an evangelical Christian school, has filed a class-action lawsuit against the school alleging that students were put at “severe physical risk” when the campus reopened in March despite the pandemic and accusing administrators of profiting from the health crisis by refusing to fully refund students.

The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court on Monday (April 13), focuses on Liberty’s refusal to fully close its campus in response to the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The plaintiff, who is listed only as Student A “out of legitimate fear of retaliation and harassment,” contends that while allowing students to return to Liberty’s campus after spring break put their “health at risk,” the school had subsequently instituted several measures such as shifting to online classes and barring large gatherings.

“The University’s statement that it is ‘open’ is an illusion being put forth to try to keep money that should be returned to students and their families,” the complaint reads.

The suit goes on to suggest that the school’s decision to remain open in an official capacity allows administrators to avoid fully refunding students for fees paid to fund on-campus services and activities.

“Liberty University is, in a very real sense, profiting from the COVID-19 pandemic — keeping its campus services…