Case: A.C. v. Metropolitan School District of Martinsville

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Sandra Battle & T.E. Wheeler

Catherine E. Lhamon and Vanita Gupta

United States Department of Education

Complaint

Notice of Appearance

Motion (Other)

Brief/Memorandum in Support

SEALED Document (Case Participants - doc)

Notice of Appearance

Notice of Appearance

Notice of Appearance

Preliminary Injunction

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

Order

Notice (Other)

Summons Issued

Magistrate Judge Notice of Availability to Exercise Jurisdiction

SCHEDULING Order

Notice of Appearance

Notice of Appearance

Notice of Appearance

Notice of Parties First Extension of Time

Notice (Other)

~Util - Set Hearings AND Status Conference

SCHEDULING Order

Order on Motion

Motion (Other)

Order on Motion

Status Conference

Answer to Complaint

Appendix of Exhibits in Support

Brief/Memorandum in Support

Extension of Time to File Response to Motion

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response

Declaration

Appendix of Exhibits in Support

Response in Opposition to Motion

Extension of Time to File Reply in Support of Motion

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply

Appendix

Reply in Support of Motion

Oral Argument

Notice (Other)

Motion (Other)

SEALED Document (Case Participants - doc)

Seal a Document (Motion to Seal or Motion to Maintain Under Seal)

Response in Opposition to Motion

Reply in Support of Motion

ORDER ON DEFENDANTS' REQUEST FOR COURT TO TAKE JUDICIAL NOTICE OF STATE COURT ORDER AND NOTICE OF COLLATERAL ESTOPPEL - This matter is before the Court on Defendants Metropolitan School District of Martinsville's and Principal of John R. Wo oden Middle School in his official capacity's Request for the Court to take Judicial Notice of State Court Order and Notice of Collateral Estoppel (Filing No. 42 ). The School District's Request is related to a pending Motion for Prelimin ary Injunction (Filing No. 9 ) from Plaintiff A.C. a minor child, by his next friend, mother and legal guardian, M.C. related to his Complaint seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for violations of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of t he Fourteenth Amendment (Filing No. 1 ). Defendants Metropolitan School District of Martinsville's and Principal of John R. Wooden Middle School in his official capacity's Request for the Court to Take Judicial Notice (Filing No. 42 ) i s GRANTED in part and DENIED in part. It is GRANTED in that the Court takes Judicial Notice of the Morgan Superior Court's Order, but the Notice of Collateral Estoppel is DENIED. (See Order). Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 4/14/2022. (AKH)

Brief/Memorandum in Support

Order on Motion to Seal/Maintain Under Seal Document

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION - This matter is before the Court on a Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Plaintiff A.C. a minor child, by his next friend, mother and legal guardian, M.C. ("A.C."). (Fili ng No. 9 .) A.C. initiated this lawsuit against Defendants Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and Principal of John R. Wooden Middle School in his official capacity seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for violations of Title IX and t he Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. (Filing No. 1 .) A.C. seeks to enjoin the School District from restricting his use of male restrooms and requests that Defendants treat him as a male student in all respects. The overwhelming m ajority of federal courtsincluding the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit have recently examined transgender education- discrimination claims under Title IX and concluded that preventing a transgender student from using a school restroom consi stent with the student's gender identity violates Title IX. This Court concurs. For the reasons stated above, A.C.'s Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Filing No. 9 ) is GRANTED. The School District shall permit A.C. to use any boys' restroom within John R. Wooden Middle School. (See Order). Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 4/29/2022. (AKH)

SCHEDULING Order

Notice of Appeal

Stay

Brief/Memorandum in Support

Parties Short Record

Transmission of Notice of Appeal and Docket Sheet to USCA

Order

USCA Case Number

Seventh Circuit Transcript Information Sheet

Response in Opposition to Motion

ORDER DENYING 53 DEFENDANTS' EXPEDITED MOTION FOR STAY OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION PENDING APPEAL - This matter is before the Court on an Expedited Motion for Stay of Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal filed by Defendants Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and Principal of John R. Wooden Middle School in his official capacity (Filing No. 53 ). This action was initiated by Plaintiff A.C,. a minor child, by his next friend, mother and legal guardian, M.C., seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for violations of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. (Filing No. 1 .) On April 27, 2022, the Court granted A.C.'s Motion for Preliminary Injunction permitting him the right to use any boys' restroom within his middle school. (Filing No. 50 .) The School District now seeks to stay the Court's Order on that preliminary injunction pending its appeal to the Seventh Circuit. Defendants' Expedited Motion for Stay of Preliminary Injunction Pending Appeal, (Filing No. 53 ), is DENIED. (See Order). Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 5/16/2022. (AKH) (Entered: 05/16/2022)

TRANSCRIPT of Hearing on Preliminary Injunction held on 04/08/2022 before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. (61 pages.) Court Reporter/Transcriber: David Moxley (Telephone: (317) 416-1749). Please review Local Rule 80-2 for more information on redaction procedures. Redaction Statement due 6/7/2022. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/15/2022. (Moxley, David) (Entered: 05/17/2022)

NOTICE of FILING of OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Hearing on Preliminary Injunction held before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 04/08/2022 (Moxley, David) (Entered: 05/17/2022)

PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION - Pursuant to the Court's Order Granting Plaintiff A.C. a minor child, by his next friend, mother and legal guardian, M.C.'s Motion for Preliminary Injunction (Filing No. 50 ) and in compliance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(d)(1)(C), Defendants the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and Principal of John R. Wooden Middle School are hereby preliminary enjoined from stopping, preventing, or in any way interfering with A.C. freely using any boys' restroom located on or within the campus of John R. Wooden Middle School located in Martinsville, Indiana. No bond shall be required. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 5/19/2022.(AKH) **Emailed to USCA re #22-1786** Modified on 5/20/2022 (LBT). (Entered: 05/19/2022)

Proposed CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN TENDERED, filed by Plaintiff A. C. . (Pactor, Stevie) (Entered: 05/20/2022)

ORDER: CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. Initial Pretrial Conference held on 5/27/2022. Dispositive Motions due by 12/5/2022. Discovery due by 10/5/2022. Status Conference set for 8/4/2022 at 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) Telephonic before Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman on 5/27/2022.(TMB) (Entered: 05/27/2022)

NOTICE of Service of Initial Disclosures, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Pactor, Stevie) (Entered: 06/10/2022)

NOTICE of Service of Initial Disclosures, filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. (Zimmerly, Philip) (Entered: 06/10/2022)

Exhibit List, Preliminary, filed by Plaintiff A. C., Witness List, Preliminary, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Pactor, Stevie) (Entered: 06/14/2022)

Witness List Preliminary, filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL, Exhibit List Preliminary, filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. (Zimmerly, Philip) (Entered: 06/24/2022)

SCHEDULING ORDER: TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE set for August 4, 2022, is hereby RESCHEDULED for AUGUST 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., Indianapolis time (EDT), before the Honorable Matthew P. Brookman, United States Magistrate Judge. The information needed by counsel to participate in this telephonic conference will be provided by a separate notification. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman on 7/19/2022.(JRB) (Entered: 07/19/2022)

MOTION for Court to Take Judicial Notice of State Court Order, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Redacted order, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 07/26/2022)

SEALED Document- Order on Verified Petition for Change of Gender, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Unredacted Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 07/26/2022)

MOTION to Seal Document 74 SEALED Document (Case Participants - doc), filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 07/26/2022)

MINUTE ORDER for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman: Status Conference held on 8/3/2022. Parties were represented by counsel. No further orders are entered at this time. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman. (TMB) (Entered: 08/03/2022)

ORDER granting 75 MOTION to Seal Document 74 SEALED Document (Case Participants - doc) . Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman on 8/11/2022. (JRB) (Entered: 08/11/2022)

Joint MOTION to Stay All Proceedings Pending Resolution of Appeal, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 08/15/2022)

ORDER - Plaintiff has filed his Request for Court to Take Judicial Notice of State Court Order. The Court being duly advised finds that good cause exists to GRANT the motion, and, IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that this Court takes judicial notice of the Order of the Monroe Circuit Court VI that grants plaintiff a change of gender marker. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 8/15/2022. (AKH) (Entered: 08/15/2022)

ORDER STAYING PROCEEDINGS - The parties having filed 79 their Joint Motion to Stay All Proceedings Pending Resolution of Appeal, and the Court having read the motion, and being duly advised, finds that good cause exists to grant it. (See Order). Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 8/16/2022. (AKH) (Entered: 08/17/2022)

MOTION to Withdraw Attorney Appearance, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bensberg, Kathleen) (Entered: 10/28/2022)

ORDER granting 82 Motion to Withdraw Attorney Appearance. Attorney Kathleen Belle Bensberg withdrawn. SEE ORDER. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew P. Brookman on 10/31/2022. (JRB) (Entered: 10/31/2022)

NOTICE of Reassignment of Case to Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker. Magistrate Judge Matthew P. brookman is no longer assigned to this case. Please include the new case number, 1:21-cv-2965-TWP-TAB, on all future filings in this matter. (JRB) (Entered: 04/05/2023)

ORDER ON AUGUST 9, 2023, TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE - Parties appeared by counsel August 9, 2023, for a telephonic status conference to address an issue that has arisen following the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeal's August 1, 2023, decision affirming this Court's preliminary injunction order. Despite this precedent allowing A.C. to use the boys' restroom in middle school, Defendants are contesting A.C.'s use of the boys' restroom now that he is beginning high school. Although the Court has stayed this matter [Filing No. 81] and the Seventh Circuit's mandate has not yet been filed with this Court, Plaintiff asked to be permitted to file a motion for a temporary restraining order extending the Court's prior ruling to the high school. Plaintiff is given leave to file any such motion, and upon doing so, Defendants will have 24 hours to file any response. (MGG) (Entered: 08/09/2023)

Emergency MOTION to Clarify Preliminary Injunction (Joint), filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Mayes, Jonathan) (Entered: 08/09/2023)

Entry Clarifying Preliminary Injunction - The parties having filed their Emergency Joint Motion to Clarify Preliminary Injunction, and the Court being duly advised, hereby clarifies the previously issued preliminary injunction (ECF No. 65 ) as follows. Defendants the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and Principal of John R. Wooden Middle School are hereby preliminarily enjoined from stopping, preventing, or in any way interfering with A.C. freely using any boys' restroom located on or within the campus of John R. Wooden Middle School or any other school within the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville. Furthermore, ECF No. 85 is now moot. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 8/10/2023. (JSR) (Entered: 08/10/2023)

MANDATE of USCA as to 52 Notice of Appeal filed by METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL (USCA #22-1786). The judgment of the District Court is AFFIRMED, with costs, in accordance with the decision of this court entered on this date. (LF) (Entered: 08/23/2023)

ORDER SETTING TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE - This matter is set for a telephonic status conference at 11 a.m. on September 18, 2023, before Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker. Parties shall appear by counsel. The information needed by counsel of record to participate in this telephonic conference will be provided by separate notification. The purpose of this conference is to address case status and settlement. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 9/6/23.(JRB) Modified on 9/14/2023 (MGG). (Entered: 09/06/2023)

ORDER ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2023, TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE AND ORDER SETTING TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE - Parties appeared by counsel September 18, 2023, a telephonic status conference. Discussion held regarding case status and settlement. This cause is set for a telephonic status conference at 10:30 a.m. on November 14, 2023. Parties shall participate in this conference by counsel. The call-in instructions will be issued by separate order. The purpose of this conference is to discuss case status. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker. (MGG) (Entered: 09/18/2023)

ORDER VACATING TELEPHONIC STATUS CONFERENCE - The Court, on its own motion, vacates the telephonic status conference set for 10:30 a.m. on November 14, 2023. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 10/24/2023.(LBT) (Entered: 10/24/2023)

ENTRY - On August 23, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued its Mandate which affirmed the judgment of the District Court. (Filing No. 88). Thereafter, on October 11, 2023, a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari was filed with the Supreme Court of the United States, and was placed on the Supreme Court docket October 13, 2023, as No. 23-392. However, a review of the docket in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals does not reflect that a request for stay of the mandate in this case has been made or granted. (See No. 22-1786). The Mandate therefore remains in effect, and this case remains active on this district court docket. In addition, the parties failed to comply with Local Rule 16-2, which required the parties shall file their position statement within 21 days following issuance of a Mandate. By no later than December 15, 2023, the parties are ordered to comply with Local Rule 16-2; or provide notice of compliance with Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 41(d)(2). Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 12/8/2023. (CKM) (Entered: 12/08/2023)

Joint MOTION to Stay (Continued) Pending Resolution of Supreme Court Proceedings, filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Continuing Stay)(Zimmerly, Philip) (Entered: 12/12/2023)

ORDER granting 94 Joint Motion for Continued Stay of Proceedings Pending Resolution of Proceedings before United States Supreme Court. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that all matters in this case will remain stayed until 30 days after the resolution of Metropolitan School District of Martinsville v. A.C., United States Supreme Court Case No. 23-392. Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 12/13/2023. (TPS) (Entered: 12/14/2023)

STATUS REPORT and Motion for Extension of Time (Joint) by METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Zimmerly, Philip) Modified on 2/16/2024 (TRG). (Entered: 02/15/2024)

ORDER GRANTING EXTENSION OF TIME 96 - The Parties having filed a Status Report and a Motion for Extension of Time to File a Proposed Case Management Plan, and the Court having reviewed and considered the same, hereby grants the Motion. [Filing No. 96.] IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the Parties shall file a proposed case management plan no later than February 23, 2024. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 02/16/2024. (AJG) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

Amended CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN TENDERED, filed by Defendants METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MARTINSVILLE, PRINCIPAL, JOHN R. WOODEN MIDDLE SCHOOL . (Zimmerly, Philip) (Entered: 02/22/2024)

ORDER: AMENDED CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVED AS SUBMITTED. Dispositive Motions due by 1/16/2025. Discovery due by 11/18/2024. Telephonic Status Conference set for 7/29/2024 at 10:30 AM (Eastern Time) before Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 2/26/2024.(LBT) Modified on 2/27/2024 to correct typo in DMD(TRG). (Entered: 02/26/2024)

SCHEDULING ORDER - The dispositive motions deadline is now 7/10/2024. A Final Pretrial Conference is set for 2/12/2025 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) in room #330, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. The final pretrial conference is for attorneys only. A Jury Trial is set for 3/10/2025 at 9:00 AM (Eastern Time) in room #344, United States Courthouse, 46 E. Ohio Street, Indianapolis, Indiana before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. Counsel shall review the Court's Courtroom Procedures and Trial Practice. The parties should confer and contact the Magistrate Judge if any Case Management deadlines need adjustment based on this scheduling order. (See Order.) Signed by Judge Tanya Walton Pratt on 2/28/2024. (JSR) (Entered: 02/29/2024)

COURTROOM PROCEDURES AND TRIAL PRACTICES before Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. (JSR) (Entered: 02/29/2024)

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to April 2, 2024 to Respond to Discovery, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to April 12, 2024 to Move to Amend the Pleadings and/or to Join an Additional Party, filed by Plaintiff A. C.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Falk, Kenneth) (Entered: 03/13/2024)

ORDER granting Plaintiff's 102 Motion for Extension of Time to respond to discovery to 4/2/2024. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 3/15/2024. (SWM) (Entered: 03/15/2024)

ORDER granting Plaintiff's 103 Motion for Extension of Time to Amend the Pleadings and/or to Join an Additional Party to 4/12/2024. Signed by Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker on 3/15/2024. (SWM) (Entered: 03/15/2024)