In the case Krueck v. Youngstown State Univ., 2019-Ohio-3219, an Ohio appellate court held that a court of common pleas has the power to hear consumer claims of unfair or deceptive practices against a public university.
In this case, a student enrolled in a nursing home administrator program at Youngstown State University after the university’s marketing materials indicated that graduates of the program would be eligible to sit for a certification exam. But after enrolling, the student discovered that she would not be eligible unless she completed a separate and lengthy internship. The student then initiated legal action against the university in common pleas court for unfair and deceptive practices under consumer protection laws. The university argued that such claims could only be initiated in the Ohio Court of Claims.
An Ohio appellate court sided with the student holding that the university was indeed subject to Ohio consumer protection laws and that, as a result, common pleas courts have jurisdiction to hear such unfair or deceptive practice claims.
To read this case, click here.
Authors: Matthew John Markling and the McGown & Markling Team.
Note: This blog entry does not constitute – nor does it contain – legal advice. Legal jurisprudence is like the always changing like the Midwestern weather. As a result, this single blog entry cannot substitute for consultation with a McGown & Markling attorney. If legal advice is needed with respect to a specific factual situation, please feel free to contact a McGown & Markling attorney.