Case: Coalition for TJ v. Fairfax County School Board

1:21-cv-00296 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

Filed Date: March 3, 2021

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This is a case about a new admissions policy of the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) that would negatively affect admissions for Asian American students. On March 3, 2021, an organization of primarily Asian American parents named the Coalition for TJ advocating against the new admissions policy filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The plaintiff sued the Fairfax County School Board (“the School Board”) under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981 and 1983 for violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a public interest law firm, the plaintiff sought declaratory and permanent injunctive relief to return to the previous admissions procedure, and attorneys’ fees and nominal damages.

The plaintiff claimed that the School Board, which operates Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), changed the admissions procedures for TJ while acting with racially discriminatory purpose against Asian American students and that race was the dominant concern of the defendants when they enacted the new admissions procedures. Previously admission to TJ was solely merit-based, with eligibility based on GPA and a rigorous standardized test, limited to those eighth graders residing in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, or Prince William counties or the City of Falls Church. If these criteria were met, students were required to submit teachers’ letters of recommendation, a writing survey, and an essay.

In its 2020 budget bill, the Virginia General Assembly required certain public schools to “set diversity goals for its student body and faculty, and develop a plan to meet said goals in collaboration with community partners at public meetings.” In response to this Defendant began to create this new admissions procedure. Under the new procedure, the standardized test was removed, and eligibility was limited to the top 1.5% of the eighth-grade class at each public middle school in FCPS. Analysis of publicly available data showed that only Asian American enrollment would decline under the new admissions policy. Limiting those eligible to the top 1.5% would by proxy limit the number of qualified Asian American applicants coming through feeder schools that traditionally accounted for the majority of TJ admissions and had a higher Asian American student population than most other FCPS middle schools. This was allegedly by the defendant’s design.

This case was assigned to District Judge Claude M. Hilton. On April 22, 2021, the plaintiff filed their first motion for preliminary injunction. On April 29, 2021, defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and for lack of jurisdiction. Following a hearing on May 21, the court denied both motions on May 26. On August 26, plaintiff filed a second motion for preliminary injunction which the court denied on September 20, 2021.

On December 3, 2021, both parties filed motions for summary judgment. The court, on February 25, 2022, granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff challenging the affirmative action admissions procedure at TJ. Specifically, Judge Claude Hilton struck down TJ's newly implemented admissions process, ruling that the process disproportionately and unlawfully affected Asian American applicants to the school. The affirmative action admissions procedure was subject to strict scrutiny due to its use of race. Judge Hilton found that the defendant had not proposed a compelling state interest in using race in K-12 admissions. The main issue was the defendant's focus on reflecting the surrounding racial demographics in their student body because racial balancing for its own sake is patently unconstitutional. The admissions process also failed narrow tailoring because the defendant had not proven that the admissions process was necessary to their proposed objective. 2022 WL 579809.

A week later, the defendant filed a motion to stay the injunction from the summary judgment order. Then, on March 14, 2022, the defendant appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (No. 22-1280). The Fourth Circuit granted a stay pending appeal on March 31. 2022 WL 986994. The plaintiff filed an emergency application to the U.S. Supreme Court to vacate the Fourth Circuit's grant of the stay pending appeal. The plaintiff alleged that the stay granted would irreparably harm those Asian American applicants for the coming school year. On April 25, 2022, the Supreme Court declined to vacate the stay of the injunction, allowing TJ's admissions process to stand.

On May 23, 2023, the Fourth Circuit reversed and remanded the case. It held that the plaintiff’s claim failed because the challenged changes did not reduce the percentage of Asian American admittees below the percentage of Asian American students in the schools in the jurisdictions served by the magnet school, and because the plaintiff had not shown discriminatory intent on the part of the School Board. It remanded the case back to the district court for entry of summary judgment in favor of the Board. 68 F.4th 864.

On August 23, 2023, the plaintiff petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, but the Supreme Court denied the petition on February 20, 2024.

As of May 2, 2024, there have been no additional updates to the case.

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Summary Authors

Calvin Kim (4/15/2022)

Venesa Haska (3/17/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59721423/parties/coalition-for-tj-v-fairfax-county-school-board/

Judge(s)

Anderson, John F. (Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Attorney for Defendant

Cox, Trevor Stephen (Virginia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Andriola, Eri (District of Columbia)

Choi, Christine Jiwon (District of Columbia)

Denning, Elizabeth (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Anderson, John F. (Virginia)

Hilton, Claude M. (Virginia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Kieser, Christopher M (California)

Kruckenberg, Caleb Joseph (Virginia)

Riemenschneider, Kristen O (District of Columbia)

Roper, Glenn Evans (Colorado)

Somin, Alison Elisabeth (Virginia)

Wilcox, Erin Elizabeth (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Cox, Trevor Stephen (Virginia)

Raphael, Stuart Alan (District of Columbia)

Rewari, Sona (District of Columbia)

Stefany, Daniel Robert (Virginia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Andriola, Eri (District of Columbia)

Choi, Christine Jiwon (District of Columbia)

Denning, Elizabeth (District of Columbia)

Fajana, Francisca (New York)

King, Bradford Allen (Virginia)

Luk, Arthur (District of Columbia)

Mayo, Winston Kirby (District of Columbia)

Ontell, Joshua (Virginia)

Pieper, Megan (District of Columbia)

Seltzer, Cullen Dennis (Virginia)

Shah, Niyati (District of Columbia)

Young, Michaele Nicole Turnage (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1:21-cv-00296	Docket [PACER]	Oct. 15, 2021	Oct. 15, 2021 Docket
1 1:21-cv-00296	Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021 Complaint
143 1:21-cv-00296	Memorandum Opinion	Feb. 25, 2022	Feb. 25, 2022 Order/Opinion 2022 WL 579809
22-01280	Order U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit	March 31, 2022	March 31, 2022 Order/Opinion 2022 WL 986994
	Emergency Application to Vacate the Stay Pending Appeal Issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Supreme Court of the United States	April 8, 2022	April 8, 2022 Pleading / Motion / Brief
22-01280	Opinion U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit	May 23, 2023	May 23, 2023 Order/Opinion 68 F.4th 864
23-00170	Denial of Writ of Certiorari Supreme Court of the United States	Feb. 20, 2024	Feb. 20, 2024 Order/Opinion 2024 WL 674659

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59721423/coalition-for-tj-v-fairfax-county-school-board/

Last updated Nov. 12, 2025, 12:21 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	Complaint against Fairfax County School Board, Dr. Scott Brabrand and Demand for Jury Trial ( Filing fee $ 402, receipt number 0422-7665331.), filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Somin, Alison) Modified text on 3/11/2021 (klau, ). (Entered: 03/10/2021) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021 Clearinghouse
2	Proposed Summons re 1 Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021
3	Financial Interest Disclosure Statement (Local Rule 7.1) by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021
4	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Christopher M. Kieser and Certification of Local Counsel Alison E. Somin Filing fee $ 75, receipt number 0422-7665681. by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021 RECAP
5	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Erin E. Wilcox and Certification of Local Counsel Alison E. Somin Filing fee $ 75, receipt number 0422-7665901. by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021
6	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Glenn E. Roper and Certification of Local Counsel Alison E. Somin Filing fee $ 75, receipt number 0422-7666851. by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/10/2021)	March 10, 2021	March 10, 2021
7	Summons Issued for service by SPS as to Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. NOTICE TO ATTORNEY: Print out two electronically issued summons and one copy of the attachments for each defendant to be served with the complaint. (Attachments: # 1 Notice)(klau, ) (Entered: 03/11/2021)	March 11, 2021	March 11, 2021
	Initial Case Assignment to District Judge Claude M. Hilton and Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. (klau, )	March 11, 2021	March 11, 2021
	Initial Case Assignment	March 11, 2021	March 11, 2021
8	WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Coalition for TJ. Dr. Scott Braband waiver sent on 3/15/2021, answer due 5/14/2021; Fairfax County School Board waiver sent on 3/15/2021, answer due 5/14/2021. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/15/2021)	March 15, 2021	March 15, 2021
9	Summons Returned Unexecuted by Coalition for TJ as to Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 03/16/2021)	March 16, 2021	March 16, 2021
10	ORDER granting 5 Motion for Pro hac vice. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 3/17/21. (klau, ) (Entered: 03/17/2021)	March 17, 2021	March 17, 2021
11	ORDER granting 6 Motion for Pro hac vice. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 3/17/21. (klau, ) (Entered: 03/17/2021)	March 17, 2021	March 17, 2021
12	ORDER granting 4 Motion for Pro hac vice. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 3/17/21. (klau, ) (Entered: 03/17/2021)	March 17, 2021	March 17, 2021
13	NOTICE of Appearance by Stuart Alan Raphael on behalf of Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/22/2021)	April 22, 2021	April 22, 2021
14	NOTICE of Appearance by Sona Rewari on behalf of Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board (Rewari, Sona) (Entered: 04/22/2021)	April 22, 2021	April 22, 2021
15	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 04/22/2021)	April 22, 2021	April 22, 2021
16	Memorandum in Support re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Srinivas Akella, # 2 Declaration of Ying Y. McCaskill, # 3 Declaration of Himanshu Verma)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 04/22/2021) 1 Declaration of Srinivas Akella View on PACER 2 Declaration of Ying Y. McCaskill View on PACER 3 Declaration of Himanshu Verma View on PACER	April 22, 2021	April 22, 2021 RECAP
17	Notice of Hearing Date re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 04/22/2021)	April 22, 2021	April 22, 2021
18	Consent MOTION to Stay Issuance of the Scheduling Order Pending Disposition of Dispositive Motions by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/23/2021)	April 23, 2021	April 23, 2021
19	Brief in Support to 18 Consent MOTION to Stay Issuance of the Scheduling Order Pending Disposition of Dispositive Motions filed by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/23/2021)	April 23, 2021	April 23, 2021
20	Waiver of re 18 Consent MOTION to Stay Issuance of the Scheduling Order Pending Disposition of Dispositive Motions -- Waiver of Hearing by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/23/2021)	April 23, 2021	April 23, 2021
	Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings	April 23, 2021	April 23, 2021
	Set Deadlines as to 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction . Motion Hearing set for 5/21/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (clar, )	April 23, 2021	April 23, 2021
21	MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/29/2021)	April 29, 2021	April 29, 2021
22	Brief in Support to 21 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1, FCSB Board Minutes (Dec. 17, 2020), # 2 Exhibit Ex. 2, FCPS Reg. 3355.14 (Apr. 28, 2021), # 3 Exhibit Ex. 3, First Am. Compl., KC v. FCSB, # 4 Exhibit Ex. 4, Declaration of Cynthia C. Smoot)(Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/29/2021) 1 Exhibit Ex. 1, FCSB Board Minutes (Dec. 17, 2020) View on PACER 2 Exhibit Ex. 2, FCPS Reg. 3355.14 (Apr. 28, 2021) View on PACER 3 Exhibit Ex. 3, First Am. Compl., KC v. FCSB View on PACER 4 Exhibit Ex. 4, Declaration of Cynthia C. Smoot View on PACER	April 29, 2021	April 29, 2021
23	Notice of Hearing Date set for May 21, 2021 re 21 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 04/29/2021)	April 29, 2021	April 29, 2021 RECAP
	Set Deadlines as to 21 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction . Motion Hearing set for 5/21/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (klau, )	April 30, 2021	April 30, 2021
	Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings	April 30, 2021	April 30, 2021
	NOTICE of a Courtesy Copy of Dkt. No 22 together with a thumb drive in a box received and send to CMH Chambers re 22 Brief in Support, (klau, )	April 30, 2021	April 30, 2021
	NOTICE	April 30, 2021	April 30, 2021
24	Opposition to 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1, Minutes of FCSB Meeting (Dec. 17, 2020), # 2 Exhibit Ex. 2, Declaration of Jeremy Shughart)(Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 05/06/2021)	May 6, 2021	May 6, 2021
25	Memorandum in Opposition re 21 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Glenn S. Miller, # 2 Declaration of Asra Q. Nomani)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 05/12/2021) 1 Declaration of Glenn S. Miller View on PACER 2 Declaration of Asra Q. Nomani View on PACER	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021 RECAP
26	REPLY to Response to Motion re 15 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction, Response filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Glenn S. Miller, # 2 Declaration of Asra Q. Nomani)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 05/12/2021) 2 View on RECAP	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
27	MOTION for Leave to File Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Brief as Amici Curiae by TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, CASA Virginia, and Hispanic Federation by TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation. (Attachments: # 1 [Proposed] Amicus Brief, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Financial Interest Disclosure Statement)(Choi, Christine) Modified on 5/13/2021 to correct parties filer(klau, ). (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
28	NOTICE by TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation re 27 MOTION for Leave to File Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Brief as Amici Curiae by TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, CASA Virginia, and Hispani c Federation Notice of Waiver of Oral Argument (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
29	NOTICE of Appearance by Christine Jiwon Choi on behalf of CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
30	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Eri Andriola and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785144. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
31	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Elizabeth Denning and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785148. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
32	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Francisca Fajana and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785150. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
33	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Arthur Luk and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785155. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
34	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Winston Kirby Mayo and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785170. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
35	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Megan Pieper and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785173. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
36	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Niyati Shah and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785174. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
37	Motion to appear Pro Hac Vice by Michaele Nicole Turnage Young and Certification of Local Counsel Christine Choi Filing fee $ 75, receipt number AVAEDC-7785176. by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 05/12/2021)	May 12, 2021	May 12, 2021
38	NOTICE of Appearance by Kristen O. Riemenschneider on behalf of CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Riemenschneider, Kristen) (Entered: 05/13/2021)	May 13, 2021	May 13, 2021
39	ORDER granting 30 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Eri Andriola for CASA Virginia,Eri Andriola for Hispanic Federation,Eri Andriola for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Eri Andriola for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Eri Andriola for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
40	ORDER granting 31 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Elizabeth Denning for CASA Virginia,Elizabeth Denning for Hispanic Federation,Elizabeth Denning for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Elizabeth Denning for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Elizabeth Denning for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
41	ORDER granting 32 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Francisca Fajana for CASA Virginia,Francisca Fajana for Hispanic Federation,Francisca Fajana for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Francisca Fajana for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Francisca Fajana for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
42	ORDER granting 33 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Arthur Luk for CASA Virginia,Arthur Luk for Hispanic Federation,Arthur Luk for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Arthur Luk for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Arthur Luk for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
43	ORDER granting 34 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Winston Kirby Mayo for CASA Virginia,Winston Kirby Mayo for Hispanic Federation,Winston Kirby Mayo for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Winston Kirby Mayo for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Winston Kirby Mayo for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
44	ORDER granting 35 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Megan Pieper for CASA Virginia,Megan Pieper for Hispanic Federation,Megan Pieper for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Megan Pieper for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Megan Pieper for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2020. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
45	ORDER granting 36 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Niyati Shah for CASA Virginia,Niyati Shah for Hispanic Federation,Niyati Shah for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Niyati Shah for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Niyati Shah for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
47	ORDER granting 37 Motion for Pro hac vice Appointed Michaele Nicole Turnage Young for CASA Virginia,Michaele Nicole Turnage Young for Hispanic Federation,Michaele Nicole Turnage Young for National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia,Michaele Nicole Turnage Young for TJ Alumni for Racial Justice,Michaele Nicole Turnage Young for Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/17/2021. (clar, ) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 17, 2021	May 17, 2021
46	REPLY to Response to Motion re 21 MOTION to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction filed by Dr. Scott Braband, Fairfax County School Board. (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 05/18/2021)	May 18, 2021	May 18, 2021
48	Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Claude M. Hilton: Motion Hearing held on 05/21/2021. Appearance of Counsel. Plaintiff's 15 Motion for Preliminary Injunction argued and denied. Defendants 21 Motion to Dismiss agued and denied. Defendants request that Dr. Scott Braband be dismissed as a party is granted. Order to follow. (Court Reporter J. Egal) (jlan) (Entered: 05/21/2021)	May 21, 2021	May 21, 2021
50	ORDERED that Defendant's 21 Motion to Dismiss is DENIED. It is further ORDERED that Defendant Dr. Scott Brabrand is DISMISSED from the case. It is further ORDERED that Plaintiff's 15 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is DENIED. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 05/26/2021. (jlan) (Entered: 06/09/2021)	May 26, 2021	May 26, 2021 RECAP
49	ANSWER to Complaint by Fairfax County School Board.(Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 06/04/2021)	June 4, 2021	June 4, 2021 RECAP
51	SCHEDULING ORDER: Initial Pretrial Conference set for 6/30/2021 at 11:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 501 before Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. Final Pretrial Conference set for 10/21/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Discovery due by 10/15/2021. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 06/09/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Pretrial Notice, # 2 Magistrate Judge Consent Form)(jlan) (Entered: 06/09/2021) 1 Pretrial Notice View on PACER 2 Magistrate Judge Consent Form View on PACER	June 9, 2021	June 9, 2021
52	TRANSCRIPT of Motions Hearing held on May 21, 2021, before Judge Claude M. Hilton, Court Reporter/Transcriber Julie Goodwin, Telephone number 571-970-3191. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS:The parties have thirty(30) calendar days to file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript will be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. The policy is located on our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the court reporter/transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER Redaction Request due 7/21/2021. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/23/2021. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 9/20/2021.(egal, julie) (Entered: 06/21/2021)	June 21, 2021	June 21, 2021 RECAP
53	Joint Proposed Discovery Plan by Coalition for TJ.(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 06/23/2021)	June 23, 2021	June 23, 2021
54	Order Rule 16(b) Scheduling Order - Upon consideration of the representations made by the parties in their Joint Proposed Discovery Plan ("Joint Discovery Plan") (Docket no. 53), and taking note of the Scheduling Order entered in this case (Docket no. 51), the court makes the following rulings: The Joint Discovery Plan filed by the parties is approved and shall control discovery to the extent of its application unless further modified by the court. Signed by Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson on 06/24/2021. SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER DETAILS. (wgar, ) (Entered: 06/24/2021)	June 24, 2021	June 24, 2021
55	ORDER that 27 Unopposed Motion for Leave to File is GRANTED, and this order is filed as of May 13, 2021 nunc pro tunc. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 7/19/21. (klau, ) (Entered: 07/19/2021)	July 19, 2021	July 19, 2021
56	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by Fairfax County School Board. (Raphael, Stuart) (Entered: 08/18/2021)	Aug. 18, 2021	Aug. 18, 2021 RECAP
57	ORDER granting 56 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Stuart Alan Raphael terminated. Signed by Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson on 8/18/2021. (dest) (Entered: 08/18/2021)	Aug. 18, 2021	Aug. 18, 2021
58	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 08/26/2021)	Aug. 26, 2021	Aug. 26, 2021
59	Memorandum in Support re 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Srinivas Akella, # 2 Declaration of Ying Y. McCaskill)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 08/26/2021)	Aug. 26, 2021	Aug. 26, 2021
60	Notice of Hearing Date re 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 08/26/2021)	Aug. 26, 2021	Aug. 26, 2021
	Set Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings	Aug. 26, 2021	Aug. 26, 2021
	Set Deadlines as to 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction . Motion Hearing set for 9/17/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (clar, )	Aug. 26, 2021	Aug. 26, 2021
61	Joint MOTION for Protective Order [Stipulated] by Fairfax County School Board. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Proposed Stipulated Protective Order)(Rewari, Sona) (Entered: 08/31/2021)	Aug. 31, 2021	Aug. 31, 2021
62	PROTECTIVE ORDER: Re Handling and Labeling of Confidential Information. Signed by Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson on 08/31/2021. SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER DETAILS. (wgar, ) (Entered: 08/31/2021)	Aug. 31, 2021	Aug. 31, 2021
63	NOTICE of Appearance by Trevor Stephen Cox on behalf of Fairfax County School Board (Cox, Trevor) (Entered: 09/07/2021)	Sept. 7, 2021	Sept. 7, 2021
64	Opposition to 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Fairfax County School Board. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2)(Rewari, Sona) (Entered: 09/09/2021)	Sept. 9, 2021	Sept. 9, 2021
65	MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief [Unopposed] by CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development. (Attachments: # 1 [Proposed] Amicus Brief, # 2 Exhibit 1 Declaration of Linda Sookyung Oh, # 3 Exhibit 2 Declaration of Akil Vohra, # 4 Proposed Order)(Choi, Christine) (Entered: 09/14/2021)	Sept. 14, 2021	Sept. 14, 2021
66	Financial Interest Disclosure Statement (Local Rule 7.1) by Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development. (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 09/14/2021)	Sept. 14, 2021	Sept. 14, 2021
67	Waiver of re 65 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief [Unopposed] Notice of Waiver of Oral Argument by Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development, CASA Virginia, Hispanic Federation, National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia, TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP (Choi, Christine) (Entered: 09/14/2021)	Sept. 14, 2021	Sept. 14, 2021
68	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Robert Stefany on behalf of Fairfax County School Board (Stefany, Daniel) (Entered: 09/15/2021)	Sept. 15, 2021	Sept. 15, 2021
69	REPLY to Response to Motion re 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Excerpts from May 21, 2021 Transcript, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Memorandum Opinion)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 09/15/2021)	Sept. 15, 2021	Sept. 15, 2021
70	ORDER granting 65 MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief [Unopposed]. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 9/15/2021. (see Order for details) (dest) (Entered: 09/17/2021)	Sept. 15, 2021	Sept. 15, 2021
71	Brief of Amici Curiae TJ Alumni for Racial Justice, Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, Casa Virginia, Hispanic Federation, Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development, and National Korean American Service & Education Consortium Virginia by Asian American Youth Leadership Empowerment and Development. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 Declaration of Linda Sookyung Oh, # 2 Exhibit 2 Declaration of Akil Vohra)(dest) (Entered: 09/17/2021) 1 Exhibit 1 Declaration of Linda Sookyung Oh View on RECAP 2 Exhibit 2 Declaration of Akil Vohra View on RECAP	Sept. 15, 2021	Sept. 15, 2021 RECAP
72	Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Motion Hearing held on 9/17/2021. Appearance of Counsel. Matter on for Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction. Motion argued and denied. Final Pretrial Conference reset for 10/28/2021 @ 10 am. Final Pretrial Conference set for 10/28/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (Court Reporter J. Egal)(kgall) (Entered: 09/17/2021)	Sept. 17, 2021	Sept. 17, 2021
73	ORDERED that Plaintiff's 58 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction is DENIED. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 9/20/2021. (kgall) (Entered: 09/20/2021)	Sept. 20, 2021	Sept. 20, 2021 RECAP
74	ORDERED that the Final Pretrial Conference will be CONTINUED until October 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Signed by District Judge Claude M. Hilton on 9/20/2021. (kgall) (Entered: 09/20/2021)	Sept. 20, 2021	Sept. 20, 2021
75	MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Unopposed), MOTION to Continue the Pretrial Conference (Unopposed) by Coalition for TJ. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Somin, Alison) (Entered: 10/04/2021)	Oct. 4, 2021	Oct. 4, 2021
76	Waiver of re 75 MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Unopposed) MOTION to Continue the Pretrial Conference (Unopposed) Oral Argument by Coalition for TJ (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 10/04/2021)	Oct. 4, 2021	Oct. 4, 2021
77	ORDER granting 75 Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery and 75 Motion to Continue. There shall be a two-week extension of the close of discovery to October 29, 2021, and a two-week continuance of the date of the pretrial conference to November 12, 2021. No further extensions of the discovery period will be allowed. Signed by Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson on 10/06/2021. (wgar) (Entered: 10/06/2021)	Oct. 6, 2021	Oct. 6, 2021
	Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines	Oct. 6, 2021	Oct. 6, 2021
	Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: Final Pretrial Conference reset for 11/12/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. Discovery due by 10/29/2021. (wgar, )	Oct. 6, 2021	Oct. 6, 2021
78	NOTICE by Coalition for TJ of Change of Address (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 10/15/2021)	Oct. 15, 2021	Oct. 15, 2021
79	TRANSCRIPT of Motion Hearing held on September 17, 2021, before Judge Claude M. Hilton, Court Reporter/Transcriber Julie Goodwin, Telephone number 571-970-3191. NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS:The parties have thirty(30) calendar days to file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript will be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. The policy is located on our website at www.vaed.uscourts.gov Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the court reporter/transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER Redaction Request due 12/8/2021. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 1/10/2022. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 2/7/2022.(egal, julie) (Entered: 11/08/2021)	Nov. 8, 2021	Nov. 8, 2021 RECAP
	Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines: Final Pretrial Conference set for 11/19/2021 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (kgall)	Nov. 10, 2021	Nov. 10, 2021
	Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines	Nov. 10, 2021	Nov. 10, 2021
80	Rule 26 Disclosure by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 11/18/2021)	Nov. 18, 2021	Nov. 18, 2021
81	Plaintiff's Witness List by Coalition for TJ. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 11/18/2021)	Nov. 18, 2021	Nov. 18, 2021 RECAP
82	Plaintiff's Exhibit List by Coalition for TJ.. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 11/18/2021)	Nov. 18, 2021	Nov. 18, 2021
83	Defendant's Proposed Trial Exhibit List by Fairfax County School Board.. (Rewari, Sona) (Entered: 11/18/2021)	Nov. 18, 2021	Nov. 18, 2021
84	Defendant's Proposed Witness List by Fairfax County School Board. (Rewari, Sona) (Entered: 11/18/2021)	Nov. 18, 2021	Nov. 18, 2021 RECAP
85	Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge Claude M. Hilton: Final Pretrial Conference held on 11/19/2021. Appearance of counsel. Plaintiff indicated they withdraw Jury demand. The court finds no issue to be tried with a Jury; case set for trial by the COURT on 1/24/2022 at 10 am. Counsel indicated they agreed on a briefing schedule on Summary Judgment to include filings due by 12/3/2021; opposition by 12/23/2021; and they would file a notice of hearing for 1/7/2022. Counsel to submit an agreed Order. Bench Trial set for 1/24/2022 at 10:00 AM in Alexandria Courtroom 800 before District Judge Claude M. Hilton. (Court Reporter J. Egal)(kgall) (Entered: 11/19/2021)	Nov. 19, 2021	Nov. 19, 2021
86	Plaintiff's First Amended Exhibit List by Coalition for TJ.. (Somin, Alison) (Entered: 11/24/2021)	Nov. 24, 2021	Nov. 24, 2021

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Virginia

Case Type(s):

Education

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 3, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Coalition for TJ is an organization for primarily Asian American parents advocating against the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's new admission procedures.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Fairfax County School Board (Fairfax), School District

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Case Details

Causes of Action: