In a surprising turn of events, the University of the Arts (UArts) is facing legal action from nine former employees who claim that the institution failed to provide them with sufficient notice of their impending job loss. The plaintiffs, which include professors, department heads, and administrators, argue that the university violated federal law by announcing its permanent closure within a week without giving the required 60 days' written notice for mass layoffs.

The lawsuit, seeking two months' pay along with compensation for accrued vacation time and health benefits over the same period, has also requested class-action status. This legal action may just be the beginning, as more court battles are expected to arise from students, staff, and state regulators in response to UArts' sudden decision. The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office has already initiated a review of the closure circumstances and any potential violations of state laws regarding asset transfers or losses.

Attorney Eric Lechtzin, who represents the former employees, filed the lawsuit promptly after hearing numerous complaints from individuals of all levels within the university. Many staff members expressed frustration over the lack of information and unanswered questions surrounding the closure. Lechtzin emphasized the urgent nature of the situation, stating that employees are uncertain about when they will receive their final paycheck and when their benefits will terminate.

The news of UArts' impending closure, announced by president Kerry Walk on May 31, caught many students, staff, and members of the Philadelphia higher education community off guard. The university's silence on the matter and the fact that individuals learned about it primarily through news outlets exacerbated the shock.

Following the closure announcement, Walk resigned her position, further complicating the situation. Meanwhile, Temple University has expressed interest in exploring a possible merger to save the arts institution. However, Mitchell L. Morgan, Temple's board chair leading the merger efforts, expressed surprise that UArts had not reached out earlier to discuss such possibilities before announcing the closure.

Despite the legal action and mounting concerns, UArts officials have remained largely silent, declining to comment on the lawsuit from their staff. However, Judson Aaron, chairman of the university's board, released a statement acknowledging the devastating impact of the announcement on the community. He assured individuals that more information would be shared as the process unfolds.

Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, employers are required to provide employees with a 60-day notice of impending mass layoffs due to closure. Failure to comply with this law can result in court-ordered compensation for wages and benefits during that time. UArts, which employs approximately 700 professors, administrative staff, and other workers, may face significant financial obligations if found to be in violation.

The faculty union at UArts, representing around 350 employees, is also preparing to file its own lawsuit if attempts to resolve issues of pay and lack of notice fail during negotiation. The union aims to protect the interests of a broader group of its membership.

As the University of the Arts faces the legal fallout from its abrupt closure announcement, the future remains uncertain for its employees, students, and the institution as a whole.