Case: Laps v. The Leland Stanford Junior University

5:25-cv-05767 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Filed Date: July 10, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Stanford University (Stanford) for allegedly discriminating against an Israeli Jewish postdoctoral researcher by allowing a hostile antisemitic environment, permitting colleagues to harass and undermine his work, falsely suggesting that he was under investigation, and retaliating against him after he reported the misconduct, ultimately forcing him to resign and harming his career. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Pal…

This case challenged Stanford University (Stanford) for allegedly discriminating against an Israeli Jewish postdoctoral researcher by allowing a hostile antisemitic environment, permitting colleagues to harass and undermine his work, falsely suggesting that he was under investigation, and retaliating against him after he reported the misconduct, ultimately forcing him to resign and harming his career. 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 July 10, 2025, an Israeli Jewish postdoctoral scholar in Stanford’s Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Stanford and a tenured associate professor. The complaint alleges claims under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 42 U.S.C. § 1981; the Unruh Civil Rights Act; the California Fair Employment and Housing Act; defamation; the California Unfair Competition Law; and the California Education Code (§ 220). The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring future discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on Jewish and/or Israeli identity, as well as damages and attorneys’ fees. The case was assigned to Judge Susan Van Keulen.

In the complaint, plaintiff alleges that Stanford discriminated against him based on his Jewish identity and Israeli national origin in violation of Title VI, Title VII, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, the Unruh Act, FEHA, and California Education Code § 220, including by subjecting him to discrimination and harassment, restricting his lab access and research opportunities, undermining grant support, and treating similarly situated non-Jewish and/or non-Israeli colleagues more favorably. He also alleges retaliation under Title VI, Title VII, § 1981, and FEHA based on his protected complaints, including through those adverse actions and his alleged constructive/forced resignation. He further asserts state-law claims including FEHA harassment/hostile work environment and failure to prevent discrimination/harassment/retaliation, an Unfair Competition Law claim, and a defamation claim against Dr. Chou based on allegedly false statements that harmed his professional reputation and career. 

On September 9, 2025, defendants moved to dismiss the defamation claim against the tenured professor and the California Education Code § 220 claim against Stanford. On January 20, 2026, the court granted in part and denied in part the motion. The court denied the motion as to the defamation claim, finding that the complaint sufficiently alleged the substance of the statements (that Dr. Laps was subject to a Title IX sexual-harassment investigation and had “legal licensing” issues), identified the speaker, provided adequately narrow timeframes, and described the audience with enough specificity to give notice under Rule 8. However, the court dismissed the § 220 claim with leave to amend, finding it was brought under an inapplicable statute because § 220 does not apply to postsecondary institutions and should instead be pleaded under the proper provision. 2026 WL 145957.

The plaintiff filed an amended complaint on January 22, 2026, correcting the California Education Code citation from § 220 to § 66270.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (3/23/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70747597/parties/laps-v-the-leland-stanford-junior-university/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

5:25-cv-05767

Complaint

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Complaint
32

5:25-cv-05767

Defendants' Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Claims 12 and 14 and Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
50

5:25-cv-05767

Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Claims 12 and 14

Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026

Order/Opinion

2026 WL 145957

51

5:25-cv-05767

First Amended Complaint

Jan. 22, 2026

Jan. 22, 2026

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70747597/laps-v-the-leland-stanford-junior-university/

Last updated March 23, 2026, 10:54 p.m.

ECF Number Date Description Link
1 July 10, 2025

COMPLAINT against Danny Hung-Chieh Chou, The Leland Stanford Junior University ( Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-20875702.). Filed by Shay Laps. (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

Clearinghouse
2 July 10, 2025

Proposed Summons. (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
3 July 10, 2025

Proposed Summons. (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
4 July 10, 2025

Case assigned to Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. 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. A scheduling order will be sent by Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) within two business days. Consent/Declination due by 7/24/2025. (mbc, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
5 July 10, 2025

MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-20876876.) filed by Shay Laps. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing)(Lewin, Alyza) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
6 July 10, 2025

MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-20876956.) filed by Shay Laps. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing)(Dince, David) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
7 July 10, 2025

Summons Issued as to Danny Hung-Chieh Chou, The Leland Stanford Junior University. (kmg, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
8 July 10, 2025

Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines: This case may fall within the Initial Discovery Protocols for Employment Cases Alleging Adverse Action. See General Order 71. Parties and Counsel are directed to review General Order 71 to determine whether it applies to this case, and to comply with that General Order if applicable. Case Management Statement due by 10/7/2025. Initial Case Management Conference set for 10/14/2025 09:30 AM in San Jose, - Videoconference Only. (kmg, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
9 July 10, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Kathleen Marie Erskine on behalf of Shay Laps (Erskine, Kathleen) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
10 July 10, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Talia Nissimyan on behalf of Shay Laps (Nissimyan, Talia) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
11 July 10, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Michael J. Fisher on behalf of Shay Laps (Fisher, Michael) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
12 July 10, 2025

ORDER Denying Without Prejudice 5 Alyza D. Lewin and 6 David M. Dince Applications to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel have each failed to indicate the number of times in the preceding 12 months that they have been admitted pro hac vice and failed to date the acknowledgment. Signed by Judge Susan van Keulen on July 10, 2025. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (svklc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/10/2025) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

RECAP
July 10, 2025

~Util - Case Assigned by Intake

July 10, 2025

Electronic Filing Error

July 10, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

July 10, 2025

Order on Motion for Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Pro Hac Vice

July 10, 2025

Electronic filing error. Submit one proposed summons listing all defendants. Attach additional pages if needed. Corrected by Clerk's Office. No further action is necessary. Re: 3 Proposed Summons filed by Shay Laps, 2 Proposed Summons filed by Shay Laps (kmg, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/10/2025)

13 July 11, 2025

MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-20876876.) Filing fee previously paid on 7/10/2025 filed by Shay Laps. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing)(Lewin, Alyza) (Filed on 7/11/2025) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

RECAP
14 July 11, 2025

MOTION for leave to appear in Pro Hac Vice ( Filing fee $ 328, receipt number ACANDC-20876956.) Filing fee previously paid on 7/10/2025 filed by Shay Laps. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Certificate/Proof of Service Certificate of Good Standing)(Dince, David) (Filed on 7/11/2025) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

RECAP
15 July 11, 2025

ORDER Granting 13 Application to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge Susan van Keulen on July 11, 2025. (svklc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/11/2025) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

RECAP
16 July 11, 2025

ORDER Granting 14 Application to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge Susan van Keulen on July 11, 2025. (svklc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/11/2025) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

RECAP
17 July 16, 2025

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED. by Shay Laps re 7 Summons Issued, 1 Complaint, 8 Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines,, Standing Orders (2) (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/16/2025) Modified on 7/18/2025 (kmg, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 07/16/2025)

RECAP
18 July 16, 2025

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED. by Shay Laps re 7 Summons Issued, 1 Complaint, 8 Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines,, Standing Orders (2) (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/16/2025) Modified on 7/18/2025 (kmg, COURT STAFF). (Entered: 07/16/2025)

RECAP
July 18, 2025

Electronic Filing Error

July 18, 2025

Electronic filing error. Incorrect event used. The correct event is SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED re: 17 18 . Corrected by Clerk's Office. No further action is necessary. Certificate of Service filed by Shay Laps, 17 Certificate of Service filed by Shay Laps 18 . (kmg, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/18/2025)

19 July 24, 2025

CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by Shay Laps.. (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 7/24/2025) (Entered: 07/24/2025)

RECAP
20 July 28, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Reid Joshua Schar on behalf of The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 7/28/2025) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

RECAP
21 July 28, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Laurie Edelstein on behalf of The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou (Edelstein, Laurie) (Filed on 7/28/2025) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

RECAP
22 July 28, 2025

STIPULATION re 1 Complaint / Stipulation to Extend Time to Respond to Complaint filed by The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou. (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 7/28/2025) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

RECAP
July 28, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

23 July 29, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Marcie Isom Fitzsimmons on behalf of The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou (Fitzsimmons, Marcie) (Filed on 7/29/2025) (Entered: 07/29/2025)

RECAP
24 July 29, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance filed by Christina Jacobson Shahkar on behalf of The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou (Shahkar, Christina) (Filed on 7/29/2025) (Entered: 07/29/2025)

RECAP
25 July 29, 2025

CLERK'S NOTICE Re: Consent or Declination: Defendants shall file a consent or declination to proceed before a magistrate judge. 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. Consent/Declination due by 8/12/2025. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.) (aea2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/29/2025) (Entered: 07/29/2025)

RECAP
July 29, 2025

Notice of Appearance/Substitution/Change/Withdrawal of Attorney

July 29, 2025

Clerk's Notice re: Consent or Declination

26 Aug. 5, 2025

CONSENT/DECLINATION to Proceed Before a US Magistrate Judge by The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou.. (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 8/5/2025) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

RECAP
27 Aug. 5, 2025

Statement of Corporate Disclosure Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1 by The Leland Stanford Junior University. (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 8/5/2025) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

RECAP
28 Aug. 5, 2025

Certificate of Interested Entities by Danny Hung-Chieh Chou (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 8/5/2025) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

RECAP
29 Aug. 5, 2025

Certificate of Interested Entities by The Leland Stanford Junior University (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 8/5/2025) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

RECAP
30 Aug. 28, 2025

STIPULATION WITH PROPOSED ORDER filed by The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Reid Schar in Support of Stipulation, # 2 Proposed Order Extending Time to Respond to Complaint)(Schar, Reid) (Filed on 8/28/2025) (Entered: 08/28/2025)

RECAP
31 Aug. 29, 2025

ORDER Extending Time to Respond to Complaint and Modifying Briefing Schedule as Stipulated re 30 Stipulation. Signed by Judge Susan van Keulen on August 29, 2025. (svklc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 8/29/2025) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

RECAP
32 Sept. 9, 2025

MOTION to Dismiss / Defendants' Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Claims 12 and 14 and Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support filed by The Leland Stanford Junior University, Danny Hung-Chieh Chou. Motion to Dismiss Hearing set for 10/21/2025 10:00 AM in San Jose, Courtroom 6, 4th Floor. Responses due by 9/30/2025. Replies due by 10/10/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Claims 12 and 14 of the Complaint, # 2 Declaration of Reid J. Schar in Support of Defendants' Motion)(Schar, Reid) (Filed on 9/9/2025) (Entered: 09/09/2025)

1 Proposed Order Granting Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Claims 12 and 14 of t

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Reid J. Schar in Support of Defendants' Motion

View on RECAP

Clearinghouse
33 Sept. 15, 2025

CLERK'S NOTICE ADVANCING INITIAL CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE AND NOTICE OF REQUIRED REGISTRATION. Initial Case Management Conference previously set for 10/14/2025 is hereby ADVANCED to 10/7/2025 09:30 AM - Videoconference Only. Case Management Statement due by 9/30/2025. Webinar Access: All counsel, members of the public, and media may access the webinar information at https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/svk Court Appearances: Advanced notice is required of counsel or parties who wish to be identified by the court as making an appearance or will be participating in the argument at the hearing. A list of names and emails must be sent to the CRD at svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov no later than October 2, 2025 at 4:00 PM.General Order 58. Persons granted access to court proceedings held by telephone or videoconference are reminded that photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings, including screenshots or other visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited.Zoom Guidance and Setup: https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/zoom/. (This is a text-only entry generated by the court. There is no document associated with this entry.)(aea2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 9/15/2025) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

RECAP
Sept. 15, 2025

Clerk's Notice AND ~Util - In-Courtroom Zoom Hearing

34 Sept. 23, 2025

ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options / ADR CERTIFICATION BY DEFENDANTS (Schar, Reid) (Filed on 9/23/2025) (Entered: 09/23/2025)

RECAP
35 Sept. 23, 2025

ADR Certification (ADR L.R. 3-5 b) of discussion of ADR options (Cohen, Reuven) (Filed on 9/23/2025) (Entered: 09/23/2025)

RECAP
36 Sept. 30, 2025

Joint Case Management Statement

RECAP
37 Sept. 30, 2025

Opposition/Response to Motion

RECAP
38 Oct. 6, 2025

Certificate of Interested Entities, Corporate Disclosure Statement, or Rule 7.1 Disclosures

RECAP
Oct. 8, 2025

Case Management Conference - Initial AND ~Util - Set Deadlines/Hearings AND ~Util - Set Scheduling Order Deadlines

40 Oct. 10, 2025

Reply to Opposition/Response

RECAP
Oct. 15, 2025

1 - Terminate Hearings AND Clerk's Notice

42 Oct. 21, 2025

Discovery Letter Brief

RECAP
Oct. 27, 2025

Case Referred to Mediation

43 Nov. 17, 2025

ADR Clerk's Notice Appointing Mediator

RECAP
44 Nov. 17, 2025

ORDER Regarding 42 Discovery Letter Brief re Protective Order and ESI Order. Signed by Judge Susan van Keulen on November 17, 2025. (svklc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/17/2025)

RECAP
Nov. 18, 2025

Pre MED phone conference

46 Nov. 24, 2025

Statement

RECAP
47 Nov. 26, 2025

Order

RECAP
48 Nov. 26, 2025

Order

RECAP
49 Dec. 12, 2025

Notice (Other)

RECAP
50 Jan. 20, 2026

Order on Motion to Dismiss

Clearinghouse
51 Jan. 22, 2026

Amended Complaint

Clearinghouse
52 Feb. 2, 2026

Answer to Amended Complaint

RECAP
March 13, 2026

Set/Reset Hearings

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Education

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 10, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

An Israeli Jewish postdoctoral scholar in Stanford’s Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Dr. Danny Hung-Chieh Chou

Other

Stanford University

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1981

State law

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

Title VII (including PDA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000e

Other Dockets:

Northern District of California 5:25-cv-05767

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Assault/abuse by staff

Education

Failure to discipline

Retaliation

School/University policies

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Israeli

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation