Shock Ruling in Gainesville (32611) : COVID-19 Campus Shutdown Lawsuit Against University of Florida Moves Forward — COURT CLEARS PATH

Gainesville In a landmark decision with ripple effects across Florida s higher schooling system a federal judge has ruled that a class-action lawsuit against the University of Florida over its COVID- campus shutdown can proceed The plaintiffs representing thousands of UF students argue that the university unlawfully withheld refunds for services and sessions canceled during the pandemic Credit GatorRights The lawsuit centers on UF s decision in spring to suspend in-person learning housing access meal plans and campus events in response to COVID- While classes continued virtually students allege that they paid full tuition and fees for experiences they never received The university moved to dismiss the matter but the court disagreed stating that the plaintiffs presented sufficient evidence that a contract may have been breached Key Facts EMERGING Judge allows COVID- refund lawsuit against University of Florida to proceed IMPACT Over UF students could be eligible for partial refunds OFFICIAL SOURCE There is a plausible breach of contract claim Judge Marcia Morales Howard ACTION UF students urged to monitor lawsuit updates and likely eligibility notices The decision issued by Judge Marcia Morales Howard of the Middle District of Florida allows students and their families to seek restitution for unused services and fees a possible multimillion-dollar liability for the state s flagship university Legal observers note that the episode could set a precedent for similar lawsuits against community colleges nationwide Hyperlocal Impact Precise Location Gainesville Reitz Union area University of Florida Main Campus Society Connection I paid for campus life not a laptop screen We deserve our money back Tyrell Johnson UF senior and Gainesville resident UF has maintained that its pandemic response prioritized safety and complied with state and federal guidance However students say they re owed compensation for canceled dorm access transportation and athletic events especially since other institutions offered partial refunds The ruling reignites long-simmering frustration among Florida students who felt their pandemic-era sacrifices were met with institutional silence With trial preparations now underway UF could face heightened scrutiny over its crisis response policies and how it treats attendee accountability Sole Angle WHY THIS MATTERS NOW This is the first major COVID- refund episode in Florida to advance past dismissal potentially paving the way for similar lawsuits at other state universities The decision comes as state coaching funding faces renewed debate amid ongoing tuition hikes and cost-of-living concerns for students Update Log AM Judge denies motion to dismiss lawsuit against UF proceeds PM UF General Counsel issues report We stand by our COVID protocols PM Novice union plans town hall to inform affected students on next legal efforts