Case: K.O. v. Mueller

0:21-cv-01837 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Aug. 12, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On August 12, 2021, the Minnesota P&A (the Minnesota Disability Law Center), filed this class action lawsuit in the Minnesota federal district court against the State of Minnesota and its Department of Education on behalf of a young man with intellectual disabilities. It challenged a Minnesota’s statute that ended special education eligibility on July 1 of the year a student turns 21. Jason Kim, of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky LLP,  was pro bono co-counsel with the P&A. The plaintiff cont…

On August 12, 2021, the Minnesota P&A (the Minnesota Disability Law Center), filed this class action lawsuit in the Minnesota federal district court against the State of Minnesota and its Department of Education on behalf of a young man with intellectual disabilities. It challenged a Minnesota’s statute that ended special education eligibility on July 1 of the year a student turns 21. Jason Kim, of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky LLP,  was pro bono co-counsel with the P&A. The plaintiff contended that the state statute on special education age of eligibility conflicted with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures special education services through age 21 to eligible students. The lawsuit sought a change in Minnesota law and compensatory education services for students who were terminated early from special education services pursuant to state law. The case was assigned to District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz.

After a year of litigation over discovery, on September 7, 2022, the Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification. On September 28, 2023 the parties stipulated to the certification of a class of individuals who received services under IDEA, who turned 21 after 2019, and who lost access to their services prior to completing their high school diploma or GED.

On January 17, 2023, the Plaintiffs filed for summary judgment. On August 25, 2023, the Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment was granted. The Court found that the version of Minn. Stat. § 125A.03(b) that was in effect until July 1, 2023, violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (specifically, 20 U.S.C. § 1412) insofar as that version of Minn. Stat. § 125A.03(b) denied special education to students with disabilities who had not received high-school diplomas and who had not yet reached the age of 22. The Court ordered the defendant to provide compensatory education to class members who turned 21 years of age prior to July 1, 2022. The defendant's motion for summary judgment was denied.

Summary Authors

Dan Stewart (5/26/2022)

NDRN (8/17/2022)

Cara Claflin (10/20/2024)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60198869/parties/ko-v-jett/


Judge(s)

Schiltz, Patrick Joseph (Minnesota)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Kim, Jason (Minnesota)

Peterson, Sonja Dunnwald (Minnesota)

Attorney for Defendant

Casserly, Martha J (Minnesota)

Sloan, Alexander Robertson (Minnesota)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

0:21-cv-01837

Class Action Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

K.O. by and through his parent and guardian J.O. v. Heather Mueller, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education

Aug. 12, 2021

Aug. 12, 2021

Complaint
11

0:21-cv-01837

Amended Class Action Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

K.O. by and through his parent and guardian J.O. v. Heather Mueller, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education

Sept. 17, 2021

Sept. 17, 2021

Complaint
43

0:21-cv-01837

Order Granting Class Certification

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/60198869/ko-v-jett/

Last updated June 28, 2026, 5:17 a.m.

Docket for: K.O. v. Jett
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Aug. 12, 2021

COMPLAINT against Heather Mueller (filing fee $ 402, receipt number AMNDC-8948991) filed by K.O.. Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 08/12/2021)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Aug. 12, 2021

NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel J Stewart on behalf of K.O.. (Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 08/12/2021)

RECAP
3 Aug. 13, 2021

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Patrick J. Schiltz per 3rd, 4th - Civil Rights list, referred to Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Please use case number 21-cv-1837 (PJS/ECW). (KNK) (Entered: 08/13/2021)

RECAP
4 Aug. 13, 2021

Summons Issued as to Heather Mueller. (KNK) (Entered: 08/13/2021)

RECAP
5 Aug. 13, 2021

(Text-Only): Notice re: Non-Admitted AttorneyWe have received documents listing Jason H. Kim, Kelsey Mize as counsel of record. If he or she wishes to be listed as an attorney of record in this case, he or she must be admitted to the bar of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (a), (b) and (c) or temporarily admitted pro hac vice in accordance with Local Rule 83.5 (d) or (e).For more admissions information and forms, please see the Attorney Forms Section of the courts website at www.mnd.uscourts.gov/forms/all-forms. (MTP) (Entered: 08/13/2021)

RECAP
6 Aug. 16, 2021

MOTION for Admission Pro Hac Vice for Attorney Jason Kim. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AMNDC-8953881 filed by K.O.. (Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 08/16/2021)

RECAP
7 Aug. 18, 2021

TEXT ONLY ENTRY: ORDER granting 6 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Attorney Jason Kim for K.O. Approved by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 8/18/2021. (NAH) (Entered: 08/18/2021)

RECAP
Aug. 18, 2021

Order on Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

8 Aug. 27, 2021

STIPULATION for Extension of Time to Respond to Complaint by Heather Mueller. (Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 08/27/2021)

RECAP
9 Aug. 27, 2021

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 8 Stipulation. (Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 08/27/2021)

RECAP
10 Aug. 27, 2021

ORDER on 8 Stipulation. Heather Mueller response due 9/20/2021. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 8/27/2021.(TMA) (Entered: 08/27/2021)

RECAP
11 Sept. 17, 2021

AMENDED COMPLAINT against Heather Mueller. filed by K.O.. Filer requests summons issued. (Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 09/17/2021)

Clearinghouse
12 Sept. 20, 2021

ANSWER to 11 Amended Complaint filed by Heather Mueller. (Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 09/20/2021)

RECAP
13 Sept. 27, 2021

ORDER/NOTICE: Rule 26 Meeting Report due by 10/28/2021. Pretrial Conference set for 11/4/2021 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 9/27/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Consent Form)(TMA) (Entered: 09/27/2021)

RECAP
14 Oct. 25, 2021

ORDER/NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PRETRIAL CONFERENCE: Rule 26 Meeting Report due by 12/3/2021. Pretrial Conference set for 12/10/2021 at 11:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 10/25/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Consent Form)(TMA) (Entered: 10/25/2021)

RECAP
15 Dec. 3, 2021

REPORT Rule 26(f) by Heather Mueller. (Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 12/03/2021)

RECAP
16 Dec. 10, 2021

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright: Initial Pretrial Conference held on 12/10/2021. (TMA) (Entered: 12/10/2021)

RECAP
17 Dec. 10, 2021

SCHEDULING ORDER: Status Conference set for 4/12/2022 at 10:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Amended Pleadings due by 12/17/2021. Fact Discovery due by 6/1/2022. Expert Discovery due by 9/1/2022. Motions (non-disp) due 6/15/2022. Motions (disp) due by 11/10/2022. Ready for trial due by 3/10/2023. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 12/10/2021.(TMA) (Entered: 12/10/2021)

RECAP
18 Jan. 5, 2022

DISCLOSURES Plaintiffs' Initial Disclosures by K.O..(Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 01/05/2022)

RECAP
19 Jan. 5, 2022

DISCLOSURES by Heather Mueller.(Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 01/05/2022)

RECAP
20 Jan. 10, 2022

STIPULATION re 17 Scheduling Order, by Heather Mueller. (Casserly, Martha) (Entered: 01/10/2022)

RECAP
21 Feb. 11, 2022

REQUEST for Production of Documents by K.O..(Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

RECAP
22 Feb. 11, 2022

INTERROGATORIES Propounded to Defendant by K.O..(Stewart, Daniel) (Entered: 02/11/2022)

RECAP
23 April 11, 2022

NOTICE OF ATTORNEY SUBSTITUTION for K.O.. (Peterson, Sonja) (Entered: 04/11/2022)

RECAP
24 April 12, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright: Status Conference held on 4/12/2022. (TMA) (Entered: 04/12/2022)

RECAP
25 April 12, 2022

(Text-Only) ORDER/NOTICE: Status Conference set for 6/3/2022 at 09:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 4/12/2022.(TMA) (Entered: 04/12/2022)

RECAP
April 12, 2022

Order/Notice of Hearing/Deadlines (Setting/Resetting)

26 April 13, 2022

PROTECTIVE ORDER Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 4/13/2022.(TMA) (Entered: 04/13/2022)

RECAP
27 April 19, 2022

(Text-Only) ORDER/NOTICE:The Status Conference set for 6/3/2022 will begin at 02:00 PM rather than 9:00 AM before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 4/19/2022.(TMA) (Entered: 04/19/2022)

RECAP
April 19, 2022

Order/Notice of Hearing/Deadlines (Setting/Resetting)

28 May 19, 2022

STIPULATION Stipulation to Amend Pretrial Scheduling Order by K.O.. Jointly Signed by Defendant. (Kim, Jason) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

RECAP
29 May 19, 2022

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re Stipulation to Amend Pretrial Scheduling Order 28 Stipulation. (Kim, Jason) (Entered: 05/19/2022)

RECAP
30 May 23, 2022

ORDER on 28 Stipulation. Fact Discovery due by 7/1/2022. Expert Discovery due by 9/30/2022. Motions (non-disp) due 7/15/2022. Motions (disp) due by 12/9/2022. Ready for trial due by 4/9/2023. Signed by Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright on 5/23/2022.(TMA) (Entered: 05/23/2022)

RECAP
31 June 3, 2022

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright: Status Conference held on 6/3/2022. The Court held a status conference regarding discovery and the potential legislative resolution. See ORDER for details and deadlines. (TMA) (Entered: 06/03/2022)

RECAP
32 Sept. 7, 2022

MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by K.O.. (Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
33 Sept. 7, 2022

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION : Motion Hearing set for 10/19/2022 at 08:30 AM in Courtroom 15 (MPLS) before Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz. (Kim, Jason) Modified text on 9/8/2022 (CLG). (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
34 Sept. 7, 2022

MEMORANDUM in Support re 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by K.O.. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
35 Sept. 7, 2022

Declaration of Jason H. Kim in Support of 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by K.O.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A, # 2 Exhibit(s) B, # 3 Exhibit(s) C)(Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
36 Sept. 7, 2022

Declaration of Sonja D. Peterson in Support of 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by K.O..(Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
37 Sept. 7, 2022

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 32 Motion to Certify Class filed by K.O..(Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
38 Sept. 7, 2022

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by K.O..(Kim, Jason) (Entered: 09/07/2022)

RECAP
39 Sept. 23, 2022

STIPULATION of Dismissal for R.S. as Plaintiff and Class Representative by K.O.. (Peterson, Sonja) (Entered: 09/23/2022)

RECAP
40 Sept. 23, 2022

ORDER DISMISSING R.S. Signed by Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on 9/23/2022.(CLG) (Entered: 09/23/2022)

RECAP
41 Sept. 28, 2022

STIPULATION re 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION by Heather Mueller. (Sloan, Alexander) (Entered: 09/28/2022)

RECAP
42 Sept. 28, 2022

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 32 MOTION to Certify Class PLAINTIFFS MOTION FOR CLASS CERTIFICATION filed by Heather Mueller.(Sloan, Alexander) (Entered: 09/28/2022)

RECAP
43 Sept. 29, 2022

ORDER granting 32 Motion to Certify Class as modified by stipulation 41 . Signed by Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on 9/29/2022. (ecw) (Entered: 09/29/2022)

Clearinghouse
44 Sept. 29, 2022

(Text-Only) The October 19, 2022 hearing on plaintiffs' motion for class certification 32 is CANCELED. (ecw) (Entered: 09/29/2022)

RECAP
Sept. 29, 2022

Order Cancelling Deadline & Hearing

45 Oct. 4, 2022

(Text-Only) CLERK'S NOTICE OF REASSIGNMENT OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE. Due to the appointment of Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster, this case is reassigned to her. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Cowan Wright is no longer assigned to the case. NOTE: the new case number is 21-cv-1837 PJS/DJF. Please use this case number for all subsequent filings. Scheduling orders entered before this case was reassigned will remain in effect unless otherwise ordered by the Court. If a previously scheduled proceeding conflicts with an event already on Magistrate Judge Foster's schedule, the parties will be contacted, and a new date and time agreed upon. Magistrate Judge Foster's practice pointers are available on the Court's website. Please contact Magistrate Judge Foster's chambers, at 651-848-1900, for scheduling or other matters. (kt) (Entered: 10/04/2022)

RECAP
Oct. 18, 2022

Order for Party to File Document/Respond to Court

48 Nov. 18, 2022

~Util - Terminate Motions AND Order Continuing Hearing and Deadlines

RECAP
49 Nov. 18, 2022

Briefing Order

RECAP
52 Jan. 9, 2023

Order on Stipulation

RECAP
69 Aug. 25, 2023

ORDER. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT: 1. Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment 54 is GRANTED to the extent described in this order. 2. The Court DECLARES that the version of Minn. Stat. § 125A.03(b) that was in effect until July 1, 20 23, violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (specifically, 20 U.S.C. § 1412) insofar as that version of Minn. Stat. § 125A.03(b) denied special education to students with disabilities who had not received high-school diplom as and who had not yet reached the age of 22. 3. The Court ORDERS defendant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education of the State of Minnesota to provide compensatory education to class members who turned 21 years of age prior to July 1, 2022. 4. Defendant's motion for summary judgment 60 is DENIED. LET JUDGMENT BE ENTERED ACCORDINGLY. (Written Opinion) Signed by Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on 8/25/2023. (CLG)

RECAP
70 Aug. 28, 2023

Judgment (Clerk's Office Only)

RECAP
73 Sept. 11, 2023

Order on Stipulation

RECAP
76 Sept. 28, 2023

Order on Stipulation

RECAP
Oct. 24, 2023

Order/Notice of Hearing/Deadlines (Setting/Resetting)

92 Nov. 13, 2023

Order on Motion for Attorney Fees

RECAP
Nov. 13, 2023

Order for Party to File Document/Respond to Court

Dec. 13, 2023

Order in Response to Letter/Request/E-mail

Jan. 12, 2024

Order in Response to Letter/Request/E-mail

Feb. 14, 2024

Order/Notice of Hearing/Deadlines (Setting/Resetting)

March 4, 2024

Order/Notice of Hearing/Deadlines (Setting/Resetting)

March 18, 2024

Order in Response to Letter/Request/E-mail

110 May 14, 2024

Order on Motion for Approval of Settlement

RECAP
114 Oct. 23, 2024

Order on Stipulation

RECAP
122 Feb. 10, 2025

Order on Motion for Approval of Settlement

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Education

Public Benefits/Government Services

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 12, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Minnesotans who would qualify for special education services under federal law until they are 22, but who state law excludes because of when they turned 21.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

NDRN/Protection & Advocacy Organizations

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

State

State of Minnesota

Defendant Type(s):

Elementary/Secondary School

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Indv. w/ Disab. Educ. Act (IDEA), Educ. of All Handcpd. Children Act , 20 U.S.C. § 1400

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:21-cv-01837

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Government services

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Disability and Disability Rights:

Disability, unspecified

Special education

Recommended Citation