Case: Kestenbaum v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

1:24-cv-10092 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Jan. 10, 2024

Closed Date: May 15, 2025

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Harvard University (Harvard) for allegedly permitting and failing to prevent pervasive antisemitism on its campus, particularly after the October 7 attacks, in violation of federal and state law. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters of antisemitism or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here.  On January 10, 2024, a Jewish student in Harvard Divinity School’s Master of Theological Studi…

This case challenged Harvard University (Harvard) for allegedly permitting and failing to prevent pervasive antisemitism on its campus, particularly after the October 7 attacks, in violation of federal and state law. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters of antisemitism or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here

On January 10, 2024, a Jewish student in Harvard Divinity School’s Master of Theological Studies program, Students Against Antisemitism (SAA), and other SAA members filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the President and Fellows of Harvard College (Harvard). Plaintiffs asserted claims under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, breach of contract, and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, seeking injunctive and monetary relief and attorneys’ fees. The case was initially assigned to Judge Indira Talwani and later reassigned to Judge Richard G. Stearns after Talwani recused herself. 

In their complaint, plaintiffs alleged that Harvard and its administrators knowingly failed to protect Jewish students from severe antisemitic harassment and discrimination based on actual or perceived ancestry, race, ethnicity, or national origin, creating a hostile educational environment. They also claimed that Harvard breached its contractual and good-faith obligations by failing to enforce policies and handbooks designed to protect students from bias, harassment, and discrimination.

Plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint on March 29, 2024, which added factual allegations and requested appointment of a neutral expert monitor. On April 12, 2024, Harvard moved to dismiss the first amended complaint and, in the alternative, to strike the plaintiffs’ demand for injunctive relief. The motion to dismiss became moot after the plaintiffs filed a motion to further amend the complaint. 

A second amended complaint followed on May 28, 2024, adding allegations that the hostile environment worsened. On June 18, 2024, Harvard filed a motion to dismiss the second amended complaint and, in the alternative, to strike plaintiffs’ demand for injunctive relief. 

On August 6, 2024, the court partially granted and partially denied Harvard’s motion to dismiss. It granted the motion regarding the plaintiffs’ discriminatory policy theory, finding plaintiffs lacked sufficiently comparable examples. However, the court denied the motion regarding the deliberate indifference claim under Title VI, breach of contract, and breach of the implied covenant, determining that the second amended complaint plausibly alleged unreasonable responses in violation of Title VI, failure to follow procedure in violation of a contractual obligation, and inconsistent discipline in violation of the implied covenant. The court also decided that plaintiff SAA could pursue only prospective injunctive relief, while student plaintiffs could seek only damages. 743 F. Supp. 3d 297.

Plaintiff SAA and Harvard filed a joint motion to dismiss SAA’s claims with prejudice on January 21, 2025. The parties stated that they had reached a settlement agreement that fully and finally resolved all claims between them. Under the settlement, Harvard agreed to clarify that its non-discrimination policies extend protection to Israeli and Jewish students and to adopt the widely recognized (but sometimes contested) International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. The court granted the motion on January 23, 2025. 

The named student plaintiff, who the Harvard Crimson reported had refused to agree to the settlement between SAA and Harvard, filed a motion for leave to submit a third amended complaint on March 20, 2025. The proposed amendment sought to add two new plaintiffs and clarify the remaining issues in the case. On April 4, 2025, the court denied the motion, concluding that the plaintiff had not acted with sufficient diligence.

On May 15, 2025, the named student plaintiff and Harvard filed a joint motion to dismiss the individual plaintiff’s claims with prejudice. An article published by the Harvard Crimson reported that "[a] person familiar with the case confirmed the dismissal was a settlement and said the terms of the agreement will be kept confidential."

This case is now closed.  

Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (3/26/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68152041/parties/kestenbaum-v-president-and-fellows-of-harvard-college/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Benson, Daniel (Massachusetts)

Bernstein, Andrew Charles (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Beiner, Zoe Michal (Massachusetts)

Berman, Bruce M. (Massachusetts)

Brinster, Jeremy W. (Massachusetts)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:24-cv-10092

Complaint

Jan. 10, 2024

Jan. 10, 2024

Complaint
32

1:24-cv-10092

Amended Complaint

March 29, 2024

March 29, 2024

Complaint
35

1:24-cv-10092

Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Plaintiffs' Complaint

Alexander Kestenbaum v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

April 12, 2024

April 12, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
36

1:24-cv-10092

Memorandum in Support of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike

Alexander Kestenbaum v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

April 12, 2024

April 12, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
63

1:24-cv-10092

Second Amended Complaint

May 28, 2024

May 28, 2024

Complaint
73

1:24-cv-10092

Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Plaintiffs’ Complaint

June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
73

1:24-cv-10092

Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Plaintiffs' Complaint

June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
73

1:24-cv-10092

Defendant's Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Plaintiff's Complaint

June 18, 2024

June 18, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
93

1:24-cv-10092

Memorandum and Order on Defendant's Motion to Dismiss

Aug. 6, 2024

Aug. 6, 2024

Order/Opinion

743 F.Supp.3d 297

104

1:24-cv-10092

Joint Motion for Entry of Order of Dismissal With Prejudice Pursuant to Rule 41(a)(2)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68152041/kestenbaum-v-president-and-fellows-of-harvard-college/

Last updated March 24, 2026, 4:48 a.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Jan. 10, 2024

COMPLAINT against President and Fellows of Harvard College Filing fee: $ 405, receipt number AMADC-10214255 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Action Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form)(Madden, Timothy) (Entered: 01/10/2024)

1 Civil Action Cover Sheet

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2 Category Form

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2 Jan. 10, 2024

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Madden, Timothy) (Entered: 01/10/2024)

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3 Jan. 11, 2024

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Indira Talwani assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal. (Phillips, Sophie) (Entered: 01/11/2024)

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4 Jan. 11, 2024

Summons Issued as to President and Fellows of Harvard College. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (Cook, Savannah) (Entered: 01/11/2024)

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5 Jan. 15, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Marc E. Kasowitz, Daniel R. Benson, Mark P. Ressler, Andrew L. Schwartz, Joshua E. Roberts, Andrew C. Bernstein Filing fee: $ 750, receipt number AMADC-10218908 by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Kasowitz Certification, # 2 Exhibit Benson Certification, # 3 Exhibit Ressler Certification, # 4 Exhibit Schwartz Certification, # 5 Exhibit Roberts Certification, # 6 Exhibit Bernstein Certification)(Madden, Timothy) (Entered: 01/15/2024)

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2 Exhibit Benson Certification

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3 Exhibit Ressler Certification

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4 Exhibit Schwartz Certification

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5 Exhibit Roberts Certification

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6 Exhibit Bernstein Certification

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6 Jan. 16, 2024

Judge Indira Talwani: ELECTRONIC ORDER allowing 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Marc E. Kasowitz, Daniel R. Benson, Mark P. Ressler, Andrew L. Schwartz, Joshua E. Roberts, Andrew C. Bernstein. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (Kelly, Danielle) (Entered: 01/16/2024)

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7 Jan. 17, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Marc E. Kasowitz on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

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8 Jan. 17, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Benson on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Benson, Daniel) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

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9 Jan. 17, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark Ressler on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Ressler, Mark) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

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10 Jan. 17, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua E. Roberts on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Roberts, Joshua) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

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11 Jan. 17, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew Charles Bernstein on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Bernstein, Andrew) (Entered: 01/17/2024)

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12 Jan. 18, 2024

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. President and Fellows of Harvard College waiver sent on 1/15/2024, answer due 3/15/2024. (Madden, Timothy) (Entered: 01/18/2024)

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13 Jan. 18, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew L Schwartz on behalf of Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc. (Schwartz, Andrew) (Entered: 01/18/2024)

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14 Feb. 28, 2024

Judge Indira Talwani: ORDER entered. ORDER OF RECUSAL.(MacDonald, Gail) (Entered: 02/28/2024)

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15 Feb. 28, 2024

NOTICE of Reassignment. Judge Richard G. Stearns added. Judge Indira Talwani no longer assigned to case. (Kinsella, Jaylannie) (Entered: 02/28/2024)

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16 March 13, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Felicia H. Ellsworth on behalf of President and Fellows of Harvard College (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

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17 March 13, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Bruce M. Berman Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10316022 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Bruce M. Berman in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

1 Certification of Bruce M. Berman in Support

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18 March 13, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Seth P. Waxman Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10316052 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Seth P. Waxman in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

1 Certification of Seth P. Waxman in Support

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19 March 13, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Jeremy W. Brinster Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10316058 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Jeremy W. Brinster in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

1 Certification of Jeremy W. Brinster in Support

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20 March 14, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Mark A. Kirsch Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10317579 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Mark A. Kirsch in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

1 Certification of Mark A. Kirsch in Support

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21 March 14, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Gina Merrill Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10317596 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Gina Merrill in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

1 Certification of Gina Merrill in Support

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22 March 14, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Zachary Fardon Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10317606 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Zachary Fardon)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

1 Certification of Zachary Fardon

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23 March 14, 2024

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Zoe M. Beiner Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-10317621 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Zoe M. Beiner in Support)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

1 Certification of Zoe M. Beiner in Support

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24 March 14, 2024

Joint MOTION for Order Scheduling Order by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc..(Madden, Timothy) Modified on 3/15/2024 to terminate motion. (Pacho, Arnold). (Entered: 03/14/2024)

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25 March 15, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 24 Motion for Order. While the court is willing to set a schedule for the filing of an Amended Complaint and defendant's response, not at the pace suggested by the parties. Plaintiffs must file their Amended Complaint no later than Friday, March 29, 2024. Defendant's response is due by April 12, 2024. Any opposition to a motion to dismiss must be filed by April 26, 2024. The court will entertain the filing of a Reply on a showing that the Opposition raised issues that defendant was unable to anticipate. (Zierk, Marsha) Modified on 3/15/2024. Notice regenerated to counsel. (Pacho, Arnold). (Entered: 03/15/2024)

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26 March 15, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 Motions for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Bruce M. Berman, Seth P. Waxman, Jeremy W. Brinster, Mark A. Kirsch, Gina Merrill, Zachary Fardon, and Zoe M. Beiner. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney.(Pacho, Arnold) (Entered: 03/15/2024)

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27 March 20, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Zoe Michal Beiner on behalf of President and Fellows of Harvard College (Beiner, Zoe) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

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28 March 20, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Mark A. Kirsch on behalf of President and Fellows of Harvard College (Kirsch, Mark) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

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29 March 20, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Gina Merrill on behalf of President and Fellows of Harvard College (Merrill, Gina) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

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30 March 20, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Zachary Thomas Fardon on behalf of President and Fellows of Harvard College (Fardon, Zachary) (Entered: 03/20/2024)

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31 March 21, 2024

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 03/21/2024)

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32 March 29, 2024

AMENDED COMPLAINT against President and Fellows of Harvard College, filed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc..(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 03/29/2024)

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33 April 3, 2024

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Combined Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/03/2024)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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34 April 4, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 33 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Harvard may file a combined memorandum of no more than thirty (30) pages. (RGS, law3) (Entered: 04/04/2024)

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35 April 12, 2024

MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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36 April 12, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Support re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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37 April 12, 2024

DECLARATION re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike of Felicia Ellsworth in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Attachment 4 and attachment 6 replaced on 4/15/2024 - blank pages removed) (Cook, Savannah). (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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38 April 12, 2024

DECLARATION re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike of Meredith Weenick in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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39 April 12, 2024

DECLARATION re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike of Timothy Whelsky in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/12/2024)

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40 April 15, 2024

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages / Modify Page Limit For Plaintiffs' Opposition To Defendant's Combined Motion To Dismiss And Motion To Strike by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 04/15/2024)

1 Proposed Order

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41 April 15, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 40 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Plaintiffs may file a memorandum of no more than 30 pages in support of their opposition to the pending motion to dismiss. (RGS, law3) (Entered: 04/15/2024)

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42 April 26, 2024

Assented to MOTION to Seal Document by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Redacted Declaration, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 04/26/2024)

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43 April 26, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike filed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 04/26/2024)

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44 April 26, 2024

DECLARATION re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike FILED UNDER SEAL by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 04/26/2024)

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45 April 29, 2024

MOTION for Leave to File a Reply Memorandum in Support of Combined Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 04/29/2024)

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46 April 29, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 42 Motion to Seal Document. Attached to plaintiffs' Opposition to Harvard's Motion to Dismiss is a declaration from a Harvard Law School student, identified with the pseudonym "SAA Member # 1." Plaintiffs move to redact SAA Member # 1's name from the public version of his declaration to "safeguard SAA members' associational privilege" and "protect SAA Member # 1's privacy interests, including his interest in being free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation." Dkt. # 42 at 2. Because this request fits neatly into at least one of the paradigms identified by the First Circuit of "exceptional cases in which... anonymity ordinarily will be warranted," the court will allow the motion. See Doe v. Mass. Inst. of Tech. (Doe v. MIT), 46 F.4th 61, 71 (1st Cir. 2022).There is a "strong presumption against the use of pseudonyms in civil litigation." Does 1-3 v. Mills, 39 F.4th 20, 25 (1st Cir. 2022). But, in "exceptional cases," an individual may proceed pseudonymously. Doe v. MIT, 46 F.4th at 70, quoting Doe v. Megless, 654 F.3d 404, 408 (3d Cir. 2011). The First Circuit has identified four paradigm cases in which pseudonymity may be warranted: cases in which (1) the "would-be Doe reasonably fears that coming out of the shadows will cause him unusually severe harm"; (2) identifying the individual would "harm 'innocent parties'"; (3) "anonymity is necessary to forestall a chilling effect on future litigants who may be similarly situated"; and (4) the individual's identity is "bound up with a prior proceeding made confidential by law." Id. at 71-72, quoting Sealed Plaintiff v. Sealed Defendant, 537 F.3d 185, 190 (2d Cir. 2008)."[P]rivacy rights of... third parties are among those interests which, in appropriate cases, can limit the presumptive right of access to judicial records." F.T.C. v. Standard Fin. Mgm't Corp., 830 F.3d 404, 411 (1st Cir. 1987), quoting In re Knoxville News-Sentinel Co., 723 F.3d 470, 478 (6th Cir. 1983); see also Doe v. MIT, 46 F.4th at 71 (nonparties have "stronger case[s] for anonymity" than parties). And plaintiffs argue that if his identity is made public, SAA Member # 1 may face discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Harvard does not contest the reasonableness of this fear. Thus, to protect the privacy interests of non-party SAA Member # 1, plaintiffs may redact his name from the public version of his declaration.Plaintiffs' motion is ALLOWED. Plaintiffs will file the redacted version of SAA Member # 1's declaration on the public docket by close of business on April 30, 2024. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 04/29/2024)

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47 April 29, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 45 Motion for Leave to File Document. Harvard may file a 15-page reply brief by May 6, 2024. Counsel must include "Leave to file granted on April 29, 2024" in the caption of the document. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 04/29/2024)

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48 April 29, 2024

DECLARATION re 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike (REDACTED) by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Kasowitz, Marc) (Additional attachment(s) added on 4/29/2024: # 1 Unredacted Declaration - SEALED) (McManus, Caetlin). (Entered: 04/29/2024)

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49 May 2, 2024

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Setting Hearing on Motion 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike : Motion Hearing set for 5/30/2024 02:00 PM in Courtroom 21 (In person only) before Judge Richard G. Stearns. (Maynard, Timothy) (Entered: 05/02/2024)

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50 May 6, 2024

REPLY to Response to 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 05/06/2024)

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51 May 6, 2024

DECLARATION re 50 Reply to Response to Motion of Felicia H. Ellsworth in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 05/06/2024)

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52 May 9, 2024

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief filed by Joshua Lapin. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 05/09/2024)

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53 May 9, 2024

Brief in Support re 52 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief. (McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 05/09/2024)

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54 May 22, 2024

MOTION to Amend 32 Amended Complaint, MOTION to Continue Oral Argument ( Responses due by 6/5/2024) by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1: Proposed Second Amended Complaint, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 05/22/2024)

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55 May 22, 2024

RESPONSE to Motion re 54 MOTION to Amend 32 Amended Complaint MOTION to Continue Oral Argument filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 05/22/2024)

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56 May 23, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by Dustin F Hecker on behalf of Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

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57 May 23, 2024

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

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58 May 23, 2024

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit [Proposed] Amicus Brief)(Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

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59 May 23, 2024

CERTIFICATE OF CONSULTATION pursuant to LR 7.1 re 58 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Dustin F Hecker on behalf of Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 05/23/2024)

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60 May 27, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered finding as moot 35 Motion to Dismiss; granting 54 Motion to Amend; granting 54 Motion to Continue. Plaintiffs will file the Second Amended Complaint as a separate docket entry by close of business tomorrow, May 28, 2024. Harvard's motion to dismiss will be due June 18, 2024, and plaintiffs' opposition will be due July 2, 2024. Reply only with leave of court. As the parties have already briefed the legal issues, the court does not anticipate permitting extensions to this schedule. The clerk will reschedule the hearing for a date after briefing is complete. And as plaintiffs are filing a Second Amended Complaint, Harvard's pending joint motion to dismiss and strike is moot. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 05/27/2024)

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61 May 28, 2024

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Resetting Hearing on 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College: Motion Hearing reset for 7/9/2024 10:00 AM in Courtroom 21 (In person only) before Judge Richard G. Stearns. (Maynard, Timothy) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

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62 May 28, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered denying 52 Motion for Leave to File Document; denying 58 Motion for Leave to File Document. Because there is a new operative complaint in this case, the motions for leave to file amicus briefs are DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE to refile after the parties have briefed any motion to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

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63 May 28, 2024

AMENDED COMPLAINT (Second) against President and Fellows of Harvard College, filed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - May 2024 HJAA Report, # 2 Exhibit B - May 15, 2024 House Committee Investigative Update)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 05/28/2024)

1 Exhibit A - May 2024 HJAA Report

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2 Exhibit B - May 15, 2024 House Committee Investigative Update

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Clearinghouse
64 June 4, 2024

Assented to MOTION to Continue Oral Argument by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 06/04/2024)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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65 June 5, 2024

ELECTRONIC NOTICE Resetting Hearing on Motion Motion Hearing on 35 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College set for 7/24/2024 10:00 AM in Courtroom 21 (In person only) before Judge Richard G. Stearns. (Maynard, Timothy) (Entered: 06/05/2024)

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66 June 5, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 64 Motion to Continue. See Dkt. # 65. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 06/05/2024)

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67 June 10, 2024

Assented to MOTION to Consolidate Cases by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/10/2024)

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68 June 11, 2024

Amended MOTION to Consolidate Cases by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/11/2024)

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69 June 11, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered terminating as moot 67 Motion to Consolidate Cases in light of Amended Motion 68 . (McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 06/11/2024)

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70 June 12, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered reserving ruling on 68 Motion to Consolidate Cases. The court will reserve ruling on Harvard's motion to consolidate this case with The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, No. 1:24-cv-11354-RGS, until the court rules on Harvard's motion to dismiss in this case. Depending on what, if anything, remains of this case after that ruling, the court would be inclined to entertain the motion to consolidate for at least discovery purposes. The filing deadlines for the motion to dismiss briefing and the hearing on the motion (Dkt. ## 60, 65) are unchanged, and the court does not anticipate granting any extensions. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 06/12/2024)

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71 June 12, 2024

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Combined Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/12/2024)

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72 June 12, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 71 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Harvard may file a combined motion to dismiss and motion to strike of no more than 30 pages. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 06/12/2024)

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73 June 18, 2024

MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/18/2024)

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74 June 18, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Support re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/18/2024)

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75 June 18, 2024

DECLARATION re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint of Felicia Ellsworth in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11, # 12 Exhibit 12, # 13 Exhibit 13, # 14 Exhibit 14)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/18/2024)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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4 Exhibit 4

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5 Exhibit 5

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6 Exhibit 6

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7 Exhibit 7

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8 Exhibit 8

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11 Exhibit 11

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12 Exhibit 12

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13 Exhibit 13

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14 Exhibit 14

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76 June 18, 2024

DECLARATION re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint of Timothy Whelsky in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/18/2024)

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77 June 18, 2024

DECLARATION re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint of Meredith Weenick in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 06/18/2024)

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78 June 20, 2024

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages for Plaintiffs' Opposition to Defendant's Combined Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

1 Proposed Order

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79 June 20, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 78 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Plaintiffs may file an opposition to Harvard's motion to dismiss of no more than 30 pages. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

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80 July 2, 2024

MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint filed by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc.. (Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 07/02/2024)

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81 July 3, 2024

MOTION for Leave to File a Reply Memorandum in Support of Combined Motion to Dismiss and Motion to Strike by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 07/03/2024)

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82 July 8, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 81 Motion for Leave to File Reply. Harvard may file a fifteen-page reply by July 10, 2024. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 07/08/2024)

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83 July 10, 2024

REPLY to Response to 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 07/10/2024)

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84 July 10, 2024

DECLARATION re 83 Reply to Response to Motion of Felicia Ellsworth in Support by President and Fellows of Harvard College. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6, # 7 Exhibit 7, # 8 Exhibit 8, # 9 Exhibit 9, # 10 Exhibit 10, # 11 Exhibit 11)(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 07/10/2024)

1 Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit 2

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3 Exhibit 3

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4 Exhibit 4

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7 Exhibit 7

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9 Exhibit 9

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10 Exhibit 10

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11 Exhibit 11

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85 July 11, 2024

Second MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief, # 2 Affidavit LR 7.1(a)(2) Certificate)(Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 07/11/2024)

1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief

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2 Affidavit LR 7.1(a)(2) Certificate

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86 July 16, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 85 Motion for Leave to File Document; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on July 16, 2024 - in the caption of the document. To avoid any doubt, FIRE is not granted any time to argue at the July 24 hearing on Harvard's motion to dismiss. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

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87 July 16, 2024

AMICUS BRIEF filed by Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression . (Hecker, Dustin) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

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88 July 22, 2024

Renewed MOTION for Leave to File an Amicus Brief of Joshua Lapin. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 07/24/2024)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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89 July 24, 2024

Electronic Clerk's Notes for proceedings held before Judge Richard G. Stearns: Motion Hearing held on 7/24/2024 re 73 MOTION to Dismiss and Motion to Strike Amended Complaint filed by President and Fellows of Harvard College. The court hears argument from the parties; The court takes the matter under advisement. (Court Reporter: Catherine Zelinski at CAL.Zelinski.Steno@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Kasowitz, Benson, Ressler, Madden, Ellsworth, Berman, Waxman) (Maynard, Timothy) (Entered: 07/24/2024)

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90 July 26, 2024

Transcript of Motion Hearing held on July 24, 2024, before Judge Richard G. Stearns. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Catherine Zelinski at CAL.Zelinski.Steno@gmail.com. Redaction Request due 8/16/2024. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/26/2024. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/24/2024. (Cook, Savannah) (Entered: 07/29/2024)

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91 July 26, 2024

NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, available on the court website at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/transcripts.htm (Cook, Savannah) (Entered: 07/29/2024)

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July 29, 2024

Notice of Filing of Official Transcript

92 July 30, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 88 Motion for Leave to File Document; Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on July 30, 2024 - in the caption of the document. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 07/30/2024)

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95 Aug. 5, 2024

AMICUS BRIEF filed by Joshua A Lapin. (McManus, Caetlin) (Entered: 08/06/2024)

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93 Aug. 6, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ORDER entered granting in part and denying in part 73 Motion to Dismiss. Harvard's motion to dismiss is ALLOWED in part and DENIED in part, and its motion to strike is DENIED. Count I of the First Amended Complaint is hereby dismissed to the extent it alleges direct discrimination against plaintiffs. The Clerk will enter a provisional scheduling order establishing deadlines for discovery on the surviving claims. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 08/06/2024)

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94 Aug. 6, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered - An Answer to the Second Amended Complaint is due in this case by August 27, 2024. Accordingly, the court enters the following pretrial schedule. Initial disclosures required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1) must be completed by 9/27/24. All amendments to the pleadings and/or joinder of additional parties shall be completed by 11/22/24. The court will permit 30 interrogatories, 30 requests for admissions and 30 document requests without leave of court and expects those requests to be filed with the opposing counsel within 30 days of the initial disclosures (no later than 10/28/24). If the parties would like to participate in the courts mediation program, they must notify our docket clerk Caetlin McManus (617-748-9041) by 4/10/25 (it may take several weeks to get a mediation date). All fact discovery must be completed no later than 4/24/25. Dispositive motions (if any) are due no later than 5/19/25, with Oppositions due no later than 6/9/25; a Reply may be filed only with leave of court. If a party intends to utilize an expert, they must file a notice on the docket no later than 4/14/25, in order for the court to consider whether an expert is appropriate (party must offer basic Fed. R. Evid. 702 and 703 information) and, if so, to alter the existing schedule. (Zierk, Marsha) (Entered: 08/06/2024)

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96 Aug. 20, 2024

Assented to MOTION for Extension of Time to September 4, 2024 to File Answer re 63 Amended Complaint, by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 08/20/2024)

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97 Aug. 20, 2024

Judge Richard G. Stearns: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 96 Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 63 Amended Complaint. Harvard's answer is due 9/4/2024. (RGS, law4) (Entered: 08/20/2024)

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98 Sept. 4, 2024

ANSWER to 63 Amended Complaint, by President and Fellows of Harvard College.(Ellsworth, Felicia) (Entered: 09/04/2024)

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99 Sept. 5, 2024

JOINT SUBMISSION pursuant to Local Rule 16.1 by Alexander Kestenbaum, Students Against Antisemitism, Inc..(Kasowitz, Marc) (Entered: 09/05/2024)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Education

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 10, 2024

Closing Date: May 15, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Students Against Antisemitism, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to addressing antisemitism at institutions of higher learning, and several of its members who are enrolled at Harvard University.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Harvard University

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:24-cv-10092

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Private Settlement Agreement

Issues

General/Misc.:

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Other

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation