Bethany Lopez, et al. v. California Baptist University

State of California Superior Court,
County of Riverside
Case No. CVRI2000805

About This Case

This website provides information about the tuition refund case against California Baptist University. The case has been certified as a class action, and you may be a member of the certified class who may be entitled to a refund or proceeds in a judgment if Plaintiffs in the case prevail. You may contact counsel for the class at the contact information provided on this website for more information. The information below provides questions and answers about some of the most commonly asked questions.

Who Is Included

All enrolled students during the Spring 2020 semester at California Baptist University who paid tuition but had their classes and educational services moved to online-only learning.

• The Court approved the issuance of this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.
• Plaintiffs Angell Cuevas, Bethany Lopez, and Kirollos Kaldes (“Plaintiffs”) are former students of California Baptist University (“CBU”), and they have brought a lawsuit against CBU to recover a partial refund of tuition on behalf of all students who enrolled at CBU for the Spring 2020 semester in which CBU provided online-only instruction for a portion of the semester because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but failed to offer students the CBU Online price. Plaintiffs have filed this lawsuit as a class action and will present evidence to the Court that other individuals were similarly situated. The Court has ruled that a class should be certified, after an appellate court directed the Court to consider several important issues. Copies of the Court’s Class Certification Decision (Exhibit A) and the Appellate Decision (Exhibit B) are available on the case website.
• The receipt of this notice does not indicate that you are entitled to receive any monetary recovery. No determination has been made by the Court that you are owed any tuition refund and the Court is not endorsing the merits of this lawsuit or the defenses at this time. However, this notice advises you of your rights and your ability to opt out of the lawsuit as described below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did I get a notice?

The purpose of the notice is to inform you of the status of this lawsuit, including that the Court has rendered the Class Certification Decision (Exhibit A) after the Appellate Court rendered its decision (Exhibit B), and that unless you opt out of this case, you will be bound by all decisions and outcomes. This matter is proceeding to expert and merits discovery, before a potential trial.

What is a class action?

A class action is a lawsuit where persons sue not only for themselves, but also for other people who have similar claims. These other people are known as Class Members. In a class action, one court resolves the issues for all Class Members, except for those who exclude themselves from the Class.

How do I know if I am part of the Class?

If you were enrolled as an undergraduate student at California Baptist University during the Spring 2020 semester as part of their traditional program you are a member of the Class, and do not need to do anything to join this lawsuit. It is suggested that you speak with a Class Counsel, including the attorneys and legal staff for Class Counsel for a more thorough analysis of the claims, your rights, and the status of this matter.

You are still eligible to be a member of this class action even if you are still enrolled at California Baptist University, and your participation will not impact your academic progress.

Do I have a lawyer in this case?

The law firms of Leeds Brown Law, P.C and Gainey McKenna & Egleston have been designated as legal counsel to represent you and the other Class Members. These lawyers are called Class Counsel.

What if I still have questions?

If you have questions about your rights, you may contact an attorney of your own choosing or you may contact Class Counsel, Michael A. Tompkins, Esq. of Leeds Brown Law, P.C. at (516) 873-9550, mtompkins@leedsbrownlaw.com or Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. of Gainey McKenna & Egleston at (212) 983-1300, gegleston@gme-law.com — communications will be confidential and privileged. Do not contact California Baptist University, its counsel, or the Court, as any statements may be used against you or the case. For more information or to review the entire notice, please click here.

Important Dates:

Contact Class Counsel

Administrator:

Important Documents: