Northeastern University’s 11 students who were dismissed earlier this month for violating school rules on coronavirus will receive $27,760, most of their expenses for the fall semester, partially reversing the controversial decision. “The university recognizes that the incident in question took place before the beginning of the semester, that is, before classes, and that the sanctions will result in loss of access to university funds and tuition fees,” according to a letter received by Globo The university was under public pressure to return the money, and families of some students hired a lawyer who said the punishment was too severe and threatened to sue the university. “The university’s response remains unacceptable, even though it seems to be moving away from its original position of receiving money from these families without any obligation to provide services,” said Brett Joshpe, a lawyer hired by two families of students. This year’s program involved 818 students, all in double rooms at Westin, less than a mile from the northeast campus. Students were picked up earlier this month without masks and social distance at the Westin Hotel, which serves as a temporary residence this semester. The northeast is one of the few universities that has rented rooms in city hotels to create more space for students and reduce the risk of a coronavirus outbreak. These 11 students were part of the UN, a program that allows first-year students to study abroad during the first semester of university. “The Student Behavior Appeals Committee, consisting of two administrative officers and one student, unanimously confirmed the first sanction, including the loss of tuition fees, council and board. 11 students will continue to have access to academic counseling, mental health and other support services,” Nule said. The university administration has decided to grant the fees because the violations occurred before classes began, the letter said. However, students will no longer have to pay a total of $36,500 for their program. On Thursday, students were informed in a letter that their resignation for the semester remained valid. University officials found that the students met during a round at the hotel. But the university has to change the sanction,” said Renata Nule, the university spokeswoman. According to the letter, a three-member complaint committee decided the sanctions in the northeast were appropriate.