.png)
If you were a student in the Chicago Public Schools and participated in the "Quiet Time Program" between 2015 and 2019, you may be eligible to claim at least $1,000 from a class action settlement.
The David Lynch Foundation and Chicago Public Schools have agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged violations of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Who is eligible for a payout?
Class members must meet the following criteria:
- You were a student in the Chicago Public Schools and reached the age of eighteen on or after January 13, 2021.
- You participated in the "Quiet Time Program" at one of the specified schools:
- William J. Bogan High School
- James H. Bowen High School
- Percy L. Julian High School
- Daniel Hale Williams Prep School of Medicine
- Amundsen High School
- TEAM Englewood High School
- Gage Park High School
- Telpochcalli Elementary School
- Your participation occurred during the academic years 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, or 2018-19.
How much is the class action settlement payment?
Payment amounts will be determined by the number of valid claims submitted. Each approved claimant is estimated to receive at least $1,000.
- Group A Cash Payment: Participants in Transcendental Meditation (TM) training will receive a payment three times greater than those in Group B.
- Group B Cash Payment: Participants in Quiet Time only will receive a cash payment approximately one-third of the amount Group A benefit.
How to claim a Chicago Public Schools payout
To claim a settlement benefit, you must submit a claim form. You can file a claim online or print the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.
Settlement Administrator mailing address: Hudgins v. The David Lynch Foundation, et al., c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA, 92799
Is proof required?
No, additional documentation is not needed. The Settlement administrator already has been provided the information to determine eligibility based on school records.
Payment options
Class members can from these payout selections:
- Check mailed to address provided (only option for mailed in claim forms)
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
$2.6 Million settlement fund
The settlement fund of $2,600,000 will include various costs and payments:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys' fees: Up to $860,034.94
- Litigation expenses: Up to $42,757.31
- Service award to the class representative: $100,000
- Payments to approved claimants: At least $1,000 per claim
Important dates
- Deadline to File a Claim: May 2, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: May 7, 2025
When is the Quiet Time Program payout date?
The final hearing will take place on May 7, 2025. Payments will be made to class members with valid claims after the court grants the settlement final approval.
Why is there a class action settlement?
The lawsuit alleged that the Quiet Time Program, which included Transcendental Meditation, violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The defendants, while denying wrongdoing, agreed to settle to avoid costly litigation and a trial.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.svg)
Comments