After the amount of deception our art students have allegedly endured by paying unlawfully collected fees, we’re glad to see the University has taken a step to right itself and bring justice to students.

News leaked Tuesday that students received emails informing them that they would be reimbursed for the extra fees collected in 2010, 2011 and 2012, which were spent on iPads, Apple computers and other items for certain faculty members, according to an audit released by the LSU System.

It’s only right that the University should return the money that students unfairly paid, along with point out that this money was “assessed outside of the normal collection process for tuition and fees.”

But the University should go one step further — art students deserve an official apology. A sincere “I’m sorry” would go a long way to repair trust. A slip-up like this isn’t easily forgotten and brushed under the table.

Our art students bring creativity and beauty to our University. They design and construct projects that add to the University’s aesthetic appeal and their programs bring us national recognition. On top of that, they’ve been shelling out double doses of money between expensive art supplies and unapproved fees.

They deserve to be recognized for their contributions to campus and to society. An official apology would show them that they’re valued in the eyes of their leaders.

We’re interested to see what happens in the upcoming lawsuit between the University and the whistleblower Margaret Herster, and we thank her for being courageous enough to stand up for students. Without Herster, students may not have had their money refunded.

We hope more information continues to come out about the situation and that the University will take steps to ensure something like this doesn’t ever happen again. Students deserve better.