COVID-19 Refund Action Proceeds Against Brigham Young University in Federal Court

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah federal judge has refused to dismiss an action accusing Brigham Young University (BYU) of improperly refusing to refund a portion of tuition and fees after it transitioned to remote classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Jan. 7 order, Judge Ted Stewart of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah said it is unclear at this stage whether there is an enforceable contract between the parties. The judge added that the plaintiff has sufficiently alleged facts supporting his unjust enrichment claim.

Plaintiff Chase Hiatt says he and other BYU students “did not …