Jonathan Michel claims the online experience was inferior and that Yale breached its contract with him and other students and unjustly enriched itself when it did not refund tuition. His lawyers are seeking class action status so that they can represent other students.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in New Haven.

Karen Peart, a spokeswoman for Yale, said the university believes the lawsuit is legally and factually baseless and that it intends to mount a vigorous defense.

"Yale acted to protect the community by moving quickly and effectively to online classes, which allowed students to complete the semester safely," Peart said. "Yale also provided students with prorated refunds for the room and board that they were unable to use."

Similar lawsuits have been filed against colleges and universities across Connecticut and the nation in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to Yale, UConn, Columbia, Cornell, Pace, Fordham, Michigan State, Drexel and Vanderbilt universities as well as the California State University system and the University of California have been sued.