(MIRROR INDY) — Former students, staff and the alumni association of Martin University are suing the college over its abrupt closure, according to a lawsuit filed April 22 in Marion County Superior Court. In the class action civil complaint, university community members claim the school fai led in its duties to provide educational training and services as promised. Former students said in the lawsuit that the university has not refunded tuition and financial aid money, even though it closed late last year and did not offer classes in the spring 2026 semester. Martin University spokesperson Keona Williams said the university does not comment on pending litigation. Martin University abruptly closed in December, citing financial problems and low student enrollment. One week after announcing the “pause in operations,” Martin laid off nearly all its staff, saying it could not pay them. Earlier this year, Martin University’s campus was listed for sale for $3.5 million. Eastern Star Church is in the process of buying the property as part of its eastside community development initiative. The lawsuit asks that the court issue an order to ensure Martin University, its president or board of trustees does not spend any money from a potential sale pending further investigation. See the full complaint LAWSUIT MARTIN UNIVERSITYDownload What the lawsuit says Six people, including three former Martin University students, submitted statements for the lawsuit. One former student, Kevin Getter, said he finished his master’s degree at Martin University in December and was planning to enroll in a Ph.D. program in the spring at Walden University, an online college based in Minneapolis. According to Getter’s statement, he applied for financial aid at Walden but was informed that Martin had listed his financial aid account as “active” and was still trying to collect money. Getter said he reached out to Martin to fix the problem but did not receive a response. Because of the financial aid issues, Getter had to withdraw from his program at Walden and is not enrolled in school. “I have incurred financial liabilities, damage to my credit status, a loss of my earned degree and diploma, possible loss of accredited education and mental anguish,” Getter said in his statement. Another student, Sasha Townsend, said she had already paid for her tuition at Martin for the spring 2026 semester prior to the closure. When she found out the school was shutting down, Townsend said she reached out to Martin University advisors and professors to find out where she could complete her degree, but didn’t get much information in response. “I have suffered financial losses as my student loans have gone into default,” Townsend said in the suit. “I have not received any refunds for tuition paid to Martin University for the Spring 2026 semester courses, which were not provided by Martin University.” Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire by email [email protected], on most social media @clairerafford or on Signal 317-759-0429.  ...read more read less