PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Two lawsuits have been filed against the University of the Arts, including one from a group of faculty members who are part of the United Academics of Philadelphia union.
The school abruptly announced that this would be the case on Friday closing on June 7. University President Kerry Walk resigned this week.
University of the Arts faculty, who are part of the United Academics of Philadelphia, raised their voices Wednesday morning and joined students on Day 3 of the protests.
Union members say since a The town hall was canceled on Monday they don’t know when they will get answers to basic questions, such as whether they will receive more salary.
Other faculty members also want answers.
Nine employees filed a lawsuit Tuesday and are represented by Eric Lechtzin of Edelson Lechtzin LLP.
“We’re here to give them a voice and try to get them – at the very least – what they should receive under the federal WARN Act, which is 60 days of pay and benefits,” Lechtzin said.
They are also asking for payment of attorneys’ fees. Lechtzin hopes that the lawsuit will put pressure on the university.
“We are now in court,” he said. “The university must respond.”
Lechtzin said his clients had been left in the dark.
“We are dealing with a situation where even employees at the highest levels – the deans of colleges of the university – literally have no more knowledge about what is going on and where things stand than employees at the lowest levels ,’ he said.
The second lawsuit, filed Wednesday, names 12 plaintiffs, including organizers from United Academics of Philadelphia.
“We think it’s very important that we stand up for what seems like a pretty clear case of misconduct and try to protect the rights of our members and ourselves,” said Rick Rein, delegate of the United Academics of Philadelphia Chapter.
Councilman Mark Squilla’s office said in a statement that he is as shocked as everyone else.
“We seek to understand and work together with the mayor, state and federal colleagues and local universities to explore every option to find a solution,” he said in the statement.
“We just want answers, and we want people to know that we are not trash and not something that should be thrown away,” said Rayne Smith, a college graduate.
A spokesperson for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in part: “While many questions remain surrounding this abrupt closure, our administration is focused on protecting these students and we believe it is critical that they continue their education. “
CBS News Philadelphia has contacted the university, its board of directors and the consulting firm the school hired and wait for an answer.
Meanwhile, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education released a statement Wednesday afternoon indicating that the university had told the commission it would close due to a cash flow problem.
The committee says in the statement that it obliges the university to draw up a plan for fair treatment of its students.
