Earlier this month, BYU student Chase Hiatt filed a lawsuit against BYU regarding the quality of online learning in an effort to receive a partial refund of his tuition. Hiatt was enrolled during the winter semester when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and classes went online. He believes that the learning was “subpar in practically every aspect,” but he did still enroll in classes for spring term afterward.

BYU released a statement regarding the lawsuit: “We understand Mr. Hiatt’s frustrations. We apologize that we were not aware of the impending global pandemic and its effect on our university. We will do better the next time we have to change everything about our schooling in the middle of a semester.”

Hiatt and BYU were able to settle out of court for an undisclosed amount of free Aloha Plate meals in the Cougareat. In addition, Hiatt will continue to receive free Dole whip with each purchase after he has exhausted his free meals.

Regarding the settlement, Hiatt said, “I’m pretty pleased with how everything worked out. My classes are going to be hard, but at least I know I’m taken care of. I don’t know what everyone else is going to do.”