The Hellenic American Union (HAU) and its affiliated Hellenic American University have filed an appeal with the Council of State (CoS) to annul a March 1, 2010 education ministry decision ordering the sealing of a building housing the former (in central Athens) and the removal of a sign bearing its name.

The appeal charges that the decision is unconstitutional, illegal and is in opposition with the European Convention on Human Rights.

According to the HAU, the Hellenic American University does not come under Law No. 3696/2008 on the operation of colleges and so-called liberal arts centres, considering that it is a public university pursuant to a 2004 US federal law. The Hellenic American University is chartered in New Hampshire.

The appeal maintains that the move is in conflict with articles of the Greek constitution that guarantee the right to unrestricted personal development and participation in the country's economy.

The school also maintains that the interruption of its operation is in violation of two constitutional provisions, namely, proportionality and good governance.

The shutting down of the school is also in violation of the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights that guarantee private property, according to the appeal.