For one, if a student did decide to sue Harvard for breach of contract, his or her case might center around the course’s allegedly unclear collaboration policies, Schneider said.
Although the final exam instructions stated that “students may not discuss the exam with others,” students in the course have claimed that teaching fellows encouraged collaboration.
In addition, if any students have grievances about specific violations of Ad Board procedures in their case, they may not come forward immediately, Schneider suggested.
“A lot of students and lot of parents are reluctant to file a lawsuit until the student is out of the institution,” Schneider said, citing student fears of retaliation from administrators.
He pointed out, however, that disciplined students, including those who were required to temporarily withdraw from the College, will still be able to file lawsuits after they graduate. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations stipulates that breach of contract lawsuits can be filed up to six years after the alleged violation.
—Staff writer Michelle Denise L. Ferreol can be reached at mferreol@college.harvard.edu. Follow her on Twitter @michiferreol.
—Staff writer Jared T. Lucky can be reached at lucky@college.harvard.edu. Follow him on Twitter @jared_lucky.