Case: Mental Health & Wellness Coalition v. Stanford University

5:18-cv-02895 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Filed Date: May 17, 2018

Closed Date: Oct. 29, 2019

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On May 17, 2018, three Stanford University students and the Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, an organization focused on advocating for administrative changes related to student mental health, filed this putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiffs sued Stanford University and its Board of Trustees under 42 U.S.C. § 12182 (Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act), 28 U.S.C. § 794 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), 42 U.S.C. § 3601 (Fair Housing Act), and California state law. Represented by Disability Rights Advocates, the plaintiffs sought certification of their class, declaratory and injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees and costs. The case was assigned to Magistrate Judge Nathanael M. Cousins.

The plaintiffs claimed that the University's policy of placing students with mental health disabilities on a leave of absence without seeking other alternatives discriminated against students with mental health disabilities. The plaintiffs argued that by not seeking other alternatives that kept students on campus Stanford was discriminating against those with mental health disabilities.

Plaintiffs alleged that the University violated Title III of the ADA by denying students with mental health disabilities equal access to Stanford's resources and benefits. Specifically, they asserted that (1) the University's leave of absence policy discriminated against students with mental health disabilities by employing eligibility criteria and methods of administration that tended to make it more difficult for students with mental health disabilities to regain access to the Stanford's resources, (2) the University failed to make reasonable accommodations to its leave of absence policy to ensure equal access, and (3) the University failed to provide services to students with mental health disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

The plaintiffs also alleged that the University had violated Section 504 by denying access to programs, services, and activities on the basis of disabilitiy and maintaining rules that had the effect of discriminating against students with mental health disabilities by tending to screen them out of maintaining student status and access to campus resources, including housing, on the basis of disability.

Next, the plaintiffs alleged that Stanford had violated the Fair Housing Act by maintaining and implementing terms and conditions of housing that excluded and otherwise discriminated against the plaintiffs on the basis of disability. The plaintiffs also alleged several violations of California state law (the Unruh Civil Rights Act, CA Government Code § 11135, and the CA Fair Employment and Housing Act).

On July 16, 2018, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint, adding three more private individuals as plaintiffs. On the same day, the plaintiffs moved to certify their class, defining the proposed class as "all Stanford students who have a mental health disability and have been or will be subject to Stanford’s policies and practices regarding students at risk of self-harm, including students who have been deterred from participating in the programs and services Stanford makes available to its students because they are aware of these policies and practices and fear being subjected to them." A month later, Stanford moved to dismiss the plaintiffs' amended complaint.

On September 28, 2018, the court denied both the plaintiffs' motion to certify class and Stanford's motion to dismiss in text-only docket entries, without providing an explanation.

In a September 18, 2019 status update, the parties reported to the court that they had reached a settlement agreement through a successful mediation session two days earlier. The parties filed a joint stipulation with a proposed order dismissing the action on October 8, 2019. The court requested further briefing on the issue of potential prejudice to absent putative class members, expressing concern that they might have relied on this action, that the impending statute of limitations might prevent them from filing other actions, and that the settlement might not fully represent the interests of the absent putative class members. In response to the court's requested, the parties submitted a joint statement in support of the settlement and proposed dismissal on October 18th.

Finding that the settlement avoided potential prejudice to absent putative class members, Judge Cousins approved the settlement and dismissed the case (with prejudice towards all named plaintiffs and without prejudice to all unnamed putative class members) on October 29, 2019.

Through the settlement agreement, Stanford agreed to treat mandatory leaves of absence as a last resort and designated a portion of on-campus housing for students on leave. Specifically, the University agreed to:

give students being considered for an involuntary leave the alternative option of taking a voluntary leave;
review its visit and communication procedures for students in psychiatric hospitals;
ensure sufficient staffing and resources to assist students with mental health disabilities in exploring accommodations that might allow students to avoid taking a leave of absence;
provide training to current and incoming personnel likely to be directly involved with students with mental health disabilities; and
provide semi-annual reports regarding the implementation of the new policy.

Stanford also agreed to pay plaintiffs' attorneys' fees and costs totaling $495,000.

Under the settlement agreement, Stanford's commitments were to run for two years, with the court retaining jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the agreement for that period.

The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Rhea Sharma (11/20/2022)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6749147/parties/mental-health-wellness-coalition-v-stanford-university/

Judge(s)

Cousins, Nathanael M. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Goodell, Maia (California)

Porter, Monica (California)

Seaborn, Stuart John (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Flanagan, Sarah G. (California)

Judge(s)

Cousins, Nathanael M. (California)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Goodell, Maia (California)

Porter, Monica (California)

Seaborn, Stuart John (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Flanagan, Sarah G. (California)

Turcios, Erica (California)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 5:18-cv-02895	Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief	May 17, 2018	May 17, 2018 Complaint
25 5:18-cv-02895	Amended Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief Mental Health & Wellness Coalition v. The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University D/B/A Stanford University	July 16, 2018	July 16, 2018 Complaint
5:18-cv-02895	Settlement Agreement and Release	Sept. 20, 2019	Sept. 20, 2019 Settlement Agreement

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/6749147/mental-health-wellness-coalition-v-stanford-university/

Last updated April 15, 2026, 5:13 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	May 17, 2018	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 400, receipt number 0971-12361034.). Filed byJacob Z., Erik X., Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Tina Y.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	RECAP
2	May 17, 2018	Proposed Summons. (Attachments: # 1 Summons Proposed Summons)(Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018)	RECAP
3	May 17, 2018	Case assigned to Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Counsel for plaintiff or the removing party is responsible for serving the Complaint or Notice of Removal, Summons and the assigned judge's standing orders and all other new case documents upon the opposing parties. For information, visit E-Filing A New Civil Case at http://cand.uscourts.gov/ecf/caseopening.Standing orders can be downloaded from the court's web page at www.cand.uscourts.gov/judges. Upon receipt, the summons will be issued and returned electronically. Counsel is required to send chambers a copy of the initiating documents pursuant to L.R. 5-1(e)(7). A scheduling order will be sent by Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) within two business days. Consent/Declination due by 5/31/2018. (as, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018)	RECAP
4	May 17, 2018	Initial Case Management Scheduling Order for Cases Asserting Denial of Right of Access under Americans with Disabilities Act. (sfbS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018)	RECAP
5	May 17, 2018	Summons Issued as to Stanford University. (sfbS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018)	RECAP
6	May 17, 2018	Summons Issued as to The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (sfbS, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/17/2018) (Entered: 05/17/2018)	RECAP
7	May 22, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Scheduling Order for Cases Asserting Denial of Right of Access Under Americans with Disabilities Act Title II and III served on Erin Dolly on May 21, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/22/2018) (Entered: 05/22/2018)	RECAP
8	May 22, 2018	NOTICE of Appearance by Stuart John Seaborn of Monica Porter (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/22/2018) (Entered: 05/22/2018)	RECAP
9	May 22, 2018	MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice for Maia Goodell ( Filing fee $ 310, receipt number 0971-12374209.) filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Good Standing)(Goodell, Maia) (Filed on 5/22/2018) (Entered: 05/22/2018)	RECAP
10	May 22, 2018	CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z... (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/22/2018) (Entered: 05/22/2018)	RECAP
11	May 22, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Notice of Appearance of Monica Porter, Motion for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice for Maia Goodell, and Consent/Declination to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on May 22, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 5/22/2018) (Entered: 05/22/2018)	RECAP
12	June 1, 2018	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Jacob Z., Erik X., Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Tina Y.. Service waived by All Defendants. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/1/2018) (Entered: 06/01/2018)	RECAP
13	June 1, 2018	ORDER GRANTING APPLICATION for Admission of Attorney Maia Goodell Pro Hac Vice 9 . Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/1/2018) (Entered: 06/01/2018)	RECAP
14	June 13, 2018	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Granting Permission to Proceed Using Fictitious Names filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/13/2018) (Entered: 06/13/2018)	RECAP
15	June 14, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Stipulation and [Proposed] Orders and Reference List served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on June 13, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/14/2018) (Entered: 06/14/2018)	RECAP
16	June 14, 2018	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION for Permission to Proceed Using Fictitious Names 14 . Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/14/2018) (Entered: 06/14/2018)	RECAP
17	June 15, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Stipulation and Order served on Sarah Flanagan and Erica Turcios Yader on June 14, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/15/2018) (Entered: 06/15/2018)	RECAP
18	June 20, 2018	Administrative Motion to File Under Seal filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Reference List)(Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/20/2018) (Entered: 06/20/2018)	RECAP
19	June 20, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Plaintiffs' Notice of Motion and Motion for Administrative Relief to File Under Seal served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on June 20, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/20/2018) (Entered: 06/20/2018)	RECAP
20	June 20, 2018	ORDER GRANTING Administrative Motion to File Under Seal 18 . Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/20/2018) (Entered: 06/20/2018)	RECAP
21	June 21, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Order Granting Motion for Administrative Relief to File Under Seal served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on June 21, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/21/2018) (Entered: 06/21/2018)	RECAP
22	June 25, 2018	CLERK'S NOTICE SETTING Case Management Conference for 8/15/2018 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor. Case Management Statement due by 8/8/2018. Defendants shall file a consent or declination to proceed before a magistrate judge by 7/9/2018. Note that any party is free to withhold consent to proceed before a magistrate judge without adverse substantive consequences. The forms are available at: http://cand.uscourts.gov/civilforms. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/25/2018) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 6/25/2018) (Entered: 06/25/2018)	RECAP
23	June 26, 2018	CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University.. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 6/26/2018) (Entered: 06/26/2018)	RECAP
24	June 26, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Clerk's Notice Setting Case Management Conference served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on June 26, 2018, filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 6/26/2018) (Entered: 06/26/2018)	RECAP
25	July 16, 2018	AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants. Filed byJacob Z., Erik X., Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Tina Y.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
26	July 16, 2018	MOTION to Certify Class filed by Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z., Harrison Fowler, Rose A., Sofia B.. Motion Hearing set for 8/29/2018 01:00 PM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Responses due by 7/30/2018. Replies due by 8/6/2018. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
27	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Stuart Seaborn in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 2 View on RECAP 3 Exhibit 3 View on RECAP 4 Exhibit 4 View on RECAP 5 Exhibit 5 View on RECAP 6 Exhibit 6 View on RECAP 7 Exhibit 7 View on RECAP	RECAP
28	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Ashley K. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER	RECAP
29	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Erik X. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER	RECAP
30	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Tina Y. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER	RECAP
31	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Jacob Z. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER	RECAP
32	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Harrison Fowler in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER	RECAP
33	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Rose A. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5)(Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018) 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER	RECAP
34	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Sofia B. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
35	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Erica C. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
36	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Alex D. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
37	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Grace E. in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
38	July 16, 2018	Declaration of Lark Trumbly in Support of 26 MOTION to Certify Class filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 26 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
39	July 16, 2018	Proposed Order re 26 MOTION to Certify Class by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
40	July 16, 2018	EXHIBITS re 18 Administrative Motion to File Under Seal Supplemental Reference List filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Related document(s) 18 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
41	July 16, 2018	ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE REGARDING ADDED PLAINTIFFS IN AMENDED COMPLAINT. Re: Dkt. No. 25 . Newly-added plaintiffs are instructed to file a consent or declination of the Court's jurisdiction by 7/25/2018. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins on 7/16/2018. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
42	July 16, 2018	AFFIDAVIT of Service for Reference List Filed Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 5.2 (G) served on Sarah Flanagan, Erica Turcios Yader on July 16, 2018, filed by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/16/2018) (Entered: 07/16/2018)	RECAP
43	July 17, 2018	CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z... (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/17/2018) (Entered: 07/17/2018)	RECAP
44	July 27, 2018	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER GRANTING EXTENDED LITIGATION DEADLINES filed by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 7/27/2018) (Entered: 07/27/2018)	RECAP
45	July 27, 2018	STIPULATION AND ORDER GRANTING Extended Litigation Deadlines Pending Initial Settlement Discussions and Mediation 44 . Hearing re Motion to Certify Class 26 set for 8/29/2018 at 01:00 PM is VACATED. Case Management Conference set for 10/31/2018 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 7, 4th Floor, with case management statement due by 10/24/2018. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/27/2018) (Entered: 07/27/2018)	RECAP
46	Aug. 15, 2018	MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Stanford's Partial Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. Motion Hearing set for 10/31/2018 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Responses due by 10/31/2018. Replies due by 10/31/2018. (Flanagan, Sarah) (Filed on 8/15/2018) (Entered: 08/15/2018)	RECAP
47	Aug. 15, 2018	Proposed Order re 46 MOTION to Dismiss Defendant Stanford's Partial Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint [Proposed] Order Granting Defendant Stanford's Partial Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Flanagan, Sarah) (Filed on 8/15/2018) (Entered: 08/15/2018)	RECAP
48	Aug. 15, 2018	Stanford's ANSWER to Amended Complaint byThe Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 8/15/2018) (Entered: 08/15/2018)	RECAP
49	Sept. 27, 2018	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Continuing Case Management Conference filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 9/27/2018) (Entered: 09/27/2018)	RECAP
50	Sept. 28, 2018	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION Continuing Case Management Conference 49 . Further Case Management Conference set for 12/12/2018 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 7, 4th Floor. Case Management Statement due by 12/5/2018. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/28/2018) (Entered: 09/28/2018)	RECAP
51	Sept. 28, 2018	ORDER entered by Judge Nathanael Cousins DENYING Motion to Certify Class 26 without prejudice, with permission to re-file after initial case management conference. This is a text-only entry generated by the Court. There is no document associated with this entry. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/28/2018) (Entered: 09/28/2018)	RECAP
52	Sept. 28, 2018	ORDER entered by Judge Nathanael Cousins DENYING Motion to Dismiss Defendant Stanford's Partial Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint 46, without prejudice, with permission to re-file after initial case management conference. This is a text-only entry generated by the Court. There is no document associated with this entry. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/28/2018) (Entered: 09/28/2018)	RECAP
53	Nov. 26, 2018	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER CONTINUING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 11/26/2018) (Entered: 11/26/2018)	RECAP
54	Nov. 28, 2018	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION CONTINUING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 53 . Further Case Management Conference set for 1/30/2019 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor. Case Management Statement due by 1/23/2019. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/28/2018) (Entered: 11/28/2018)	RECAP
55	Jan. 18, 2019	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER CONTINUING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 1/18/2019) (Entered: 01/18/2019)	RECAP
56	Jan. 21, 2019	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION TO CONTINUE 55 . Further Case Management Conference reset for 4/3/2019 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor. Updated Case Management Statement due by 3/27/2019. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 1/21/2019) (Entered: 01/21/2019)	RECAP
57	March 26, 2019	Certificate of Interested Entities by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z. (Goodell, Maia) (Filed on 3/26/2019) (Entered: 03/26/2019)	RECAP
58	March 27, 2019	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER SETTING STATUS CONFERENCE AND CONTINUING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 3/27/2019) (Entered: 03/27/2019)	RECAP
59	March 27, 2019	Rule 7.1 Disclosures by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University AND CERTIFICATION OF INTERESTED ENTITIES (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 3/27/2019) (Entered: 03/27/2019)	RECAP
60	March 28, 2019	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION 58 . Case management conference set for 4/3/2019 at 10:00 AM is converted to a status conference. Case management conference set for 5/22/2019 at 10:00 AM, with case management statement due 5/15/2019. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 3/28/2019) (Entered: 03/28/2019)	RECAP
61	April 3, 2019	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Status Conference held on 4/3/2019. Case Management Conference set for 5/22/2019 at 10:00 AM. Attorneys for Plaintiffs: Stuart Seaborn, Monica Porter. Attorneys for Defendants: Jacob Sorenson. FTR Time: 10:11am - 10:30am. Time in Court: 19 minutes. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 4/3/2019) (Entered: 04/03/2019)	RECAP
62	April 3, 2019	PDF with attached Audio File. Court Date & Time [ 4/3/2019 10:11:11 AM ]. File Size [ 9272 KB ]. Run Time [ 00:19:19 ]. (courtspeak). (Entered: 04/03/2019)	RECAP
	April 3, 2019	1 - Terminate Hearings
	April 3, 2019	Status Conference
63	May 13, 2019	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER CONTINUING CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Turcios, Erica) (Filed on 5/13/2019) (Entered: 05/13/2019)	RECAP
64	May 14, 2019	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION TO CONTINUE AS MODIFIED. Further Case Management Conference set for 8/7/2019 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 5, 4th Floor. Updated Case Management Statement due by 7/31/2019. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 5/14/2019) (Entered: 05/14/2019)	RECAP
65	July 29, 2019	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Stipulation and [Proposed] Order Continuing Case Management Conference filed by The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. (Flanagan, Sarah) (Filed on 7/29/2019) (Entered: 07/29/2019)	RECAP
66	Aug. 1, 2019	ORDER DENYING Stipulation and [Proposed] Order Continuing Case Management Conference 65 . Counsel may participate by telephone and must contact the Courtroom Deputy at Lili_Harrell@cand.uscourts.gov to provide a direct dial number for the Court to initiate the call. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/1/2019) (Entered: 08/01/2019)	RECAP
67	Aug. 7, 2019	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Nathanael M. Cousins. Further Case Management Conference held on 8/7/2019: Parties to file updated joint case management statement by 9/20/2019; Hearing re Plaintiffs' motion to certify class 26, Defendants' motion to dismiss 46, and further case management conference set for 11/13/2019 at 01:00 PM. Attorney for Plaintiffs: Maia Goodell. Attorney for Defendants: Sarah Flanagan. FTR Time: 10:51am - 11:00am. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Date Filed: 8/7/2019) (Entered: 08/07/2019)	RECAP
68	Aug. 7, 2019	PDF with attached Audio File. Court Date & Time [ 8/7/2019 10:51:44 AM ]. File Size [ 4088 KB ]. Run Time [ 00:08:31 ]. (courtspeak). (Entered: 08/07/2019)	RECAP
	Aug. 7, 2019	~Util - Set Motion and Deadlines/Hearings
	Aug. 7, 2019	~Util - Set Deadlines/Hearings
	Aug. 7, 2019	Case Management Conference - Further
69	Sept. 18, 2019	STATUS REPORT by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Goodell, Maia) (Filed on 9/18/2019) (Entered: 09/18/2019)	RECAP
70	Oct. 8, 2019	STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER Dismissing Action filed by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 10/8/2019) (Entered: 10/08/2019)	RECAP
71	Oct. 9, 2019	ORDER FOR FURTHER BRIEFING REGARDING JOINT STIPULATION AND PROPOSED ORDER DISMISSING ACTION. Dkt. 70 . The parties are ORDERED to file a joint submission, supported by declaration(s), addressing publicity about this case and the fairness of the dismissal to the absent putative class members by 10/23/2019. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins on 10/9/2019. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/9/2019) (Entered: 10/09/2019)	RECAP
72	Oct. 18, 2019	Supplemental Brief Regarding Settlement and the Fairness of the Proposed Dismissal filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 10/18/2019) (Entered: 10/18/2019)	RECAP
73	Oct. 18, 2019	Declaration of Stuart Seaborn in Support of 72 Supplemental Brief Regarding Settlement and the Fairness of the Proposed Dismissal filed byRose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7)(Related document(s) 72 ) (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 10/18/2019) (Entered: 10/18/2019) 1 Exhibit 1 View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 2 View on RECAP 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 7 View on PACER	RECAP
74	Oct. 21, 2019	ORDER TO FILE an Administrative Motion to File Under Seal in Accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins on 10/21/2019. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/21/2019) (Entered: 10/21/2019)	RECAP
75	Oct. 28, 2019	Administrative Motion to File Under Seal Portion of Parties' Settlement filed by Rose A., Sofia B., Harrison Fowler, Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, Erik X., Tina Y., Jacob Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Monica Porter in Support of Plaintiffs' Administrative Motion to File Under Seal Portion of Parties' Settlement, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit Redacted Version of Documents Sought to be Sealed, # 4 Exhibit Unredacted Version of Documents Sought to be Sealed)(Goodell, Maia) (Filed on 10/28/2019) (Entered: 10/28/2019) 1 Declaration Declaration of Monica Porter in Support of Plaintiffs' Administ View on PACER 2 Proposed Order View on PACER 3 Exhibit Redacted Version of Documents Sought to be Sealed View on PACER	RECAP
76	Oct. 29, 2019	ORDER GRANTING Administrative Motion to File Under Seal Portion of Parties' Settlement. 75 . Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/29/2019) (Entered: 10/29/2019)	RECAP
77	Oct. 29, 2019	ORDER DISMISSING ACTION. Re: Dkt. No. 70 . Signed by Judge Nathanael Cousins on 10/29/2019. (lmh, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 10/29/2019) (Entered: 10/29/2019)	RECAP
78	Dec. 19, 2019	NOTICE of Change In Counsel by Stuart John Seaborn (Seaborn, Stuart) (Filed on 12/19/2019) (Entered: 12/19/2019)	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Education

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 17, 2018

Closing Date: Oct. 29, 2019

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All Stanford students who have a mental health disability (or have been regarded as having a disability or have a record of a disability) who have been or may be subject to Stanford’s leave of absence policies and practices, including students who have been deterred from participating in the programs and services Stanford makes available to its students because they are aware of these policies and practices and fear being subjected to them.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Denied

Defendants

Non-profit or advocacy

Stanford University

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act), 29 U.S.C. § 701

State Anti-Discrimination Law

State law

Other Dockets:

Northern District of California 5:18-cv-02895

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Attorneys fees

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Amount Defendant Pays: 495,000

Issues

General/Misc.:

Housing

School/University policies

Disability and Disability Rights:

Depression

Mental Illness, Unspecified

Mental impairment

Discrimination Area:

Accommodation / Leave

Discrimination Basis:

Disability (inc. reasonable accommodations)

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Mental Health & Wellness Coalition v. Stanford University, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, http://www.dev.clearinghouse.net/case/43872/ (last updated 11/20/2022).