Case: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids v. Nessel

1:22-cv-01214 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Filed Date: Dec. 22, 2022

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about whether Michigan’s Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which, in 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court interpreted to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, unconstitutionally infringed on religious liberty. On December 22, 2022, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Sacred Heart, alongside its school, Sacred Heart Academy, and several individual Sacred Heart members (collectively “Sacred Heart”), sued the Michigan Attorney General, Department of Civil Rights, and Civil Rights Commission under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 alleging violations of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Sacred Heart claimed that application of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodation interfered with its ability to practice its Catholic beliefs. In particular, Sacred Heart alleged that it could not at once comply with the Act’s prohibitions on discrimination and limit enrollment, hiring, and/or use of space (including bathrooms) to form an “intentional Catholic community” in line with Catholic values. Therefore, Sacred Heart claimed that the Act violated its free speech and free religious exercise rights as well as associational and parental rights. Represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, Sacred Heart sought declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and costs and attorneys’ fees. Also on December 22, 2022, Sacred Heart filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin the state from enforcing the expanded Act against them.

The case was first assigned to District Court Judge Robert J. Jonker and then reassigned to District Court Judge Jane M. Beckering and Magistrate Judge Phillip J. Green. As of January 2023, the case is ongoing and the preliminary injunction motion remains pending.

Summary Authors

Elizabeth Lewis (1/29/2023)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66678379/parties/sacred-heart-of-jesus-parish-grand-rapids-v-nessel/

Judge(s)

Jonker, Robert James (Michigan)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Anderson, Katherine L. (Michigan)

Bursch, John J. (Michigan)

Cortman, David Andrew (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra A. (Michigan)

Judge(s)

Jonker, Robert James (Michigan)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Anderson, Katherine L. (Michigan)

Bursch, John J. (Michigan)

Cortman, David Andrew (Michigan)

Tucker, Ryan Jeffrey (Michigan)

Vrdolyak, Hailey (Michigan)

Attorney for Defendant

Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra A. (Michigan)

Pendrick, Kimberly Karen (Michigan)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:22-cv-01214	Verified Complaint	Dec. 22, 2022	Dec. 22, 2022 Complaint

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
Catholic school, families sue Michigan officials for forcing them to violate their faith	The Michigan Supreme Court reinterpreted the prohibition on sex discrimination in Michigan’s Civil Rights Act and penal code to include sexual orientation and gender identity. That change requires Gr…	Dec. 22, 2022	Dec. 22, 2022 https://adfmedia.org/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/66678379/sacred-heart-of-jesus-parish-grand-rapids-v-nessel/

Last updated June 24, 2026, 6:07 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Dec. 22, 2022	COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Katie Ugolini, Jerry Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Peter Ugolini, Robin Hatley, Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell (Attachments: # 1 Index of Exhibits, # 2 Exhibit 1, Student Handbook, # 3 Exhibit 2, Student Agreement, # 4 Exhibit 3, Faculty Memo and Oath, # 5 Exhibit 4, Bishop Statement, # 6 Exhibit 5, Previous Job Postings, # 7 Exhibit 6, Michigan Education Policy, # 8 Exhibit 7, Statement on Catholic Doctrine, # 9 Exhibit 8, BFOQ Form, # 10 Exhibit 9, Current Job Postings, # 11 Exhibit 10, Theology of the Body, # 12 Exhibit 11, Faculty Handbook, # 13 Exhibit 12, BFOQ FOIA) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 12/22/2022) 1 Index of Exhibits View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1, Student Handbook View on PACER 3 Exhibit 2, Student Agreement View on PACER 4 Exhibit 3, Faculty Memo and Oath View on PACER 5 Exhibit 4, Bishop Statement View on PACER 6 Exhibit 5, Previous Job Postings View on PACER 7 Exhibit 6, Michigan Education Policy View on PACER 8 Exhibit 7, Statement on Catholic Doctrine View on PACER 9 Exhibit 8, BFOQ Form View on PACER 10 Exhibit 9, Current Job Postings View on PACER 11 Exhibit 10, Theology of the Body View on PACER 12 Exhibit 11, Faculty Handbook View on PACER 13 Exhibit 12, BFOQ FOIA View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	Dec. 22, 2022	PROPOSED SUMMONS to be issued re 1 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 12/22/2022)	RECAP
3	Dec. 22, 2022	CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Bursch, John) (Entered: 12/22/2022)	RECAP
4	Dec. 22, 2022	MOTION for preliminary injunction by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini; (Bursch, John) (Entered: 12/22/2022)	RECAP
5	Dec. 22, 2022	MEMORANDUM in support of Motion for Preliminary Injunction 4 filed by Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Attachments: # 1 Floyd Decl., # 2 Hatley Decl., # 3 Boutell Decl., # 4 Ugolini Decl.) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 12/22/2022)	RECAP
	Dec. 22, 2022	Filing Fee (Civil Case) - Credit Card Payment
	Dec. 22, 2022	FILING FEE PAID re 1 by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini in the amount of $402, receipt number AMIWDC-6933818 (Bursch, John)
	Dec. 22, 2022	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Ryan Jeffrey Tucker on behalf of plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Tucker, Ryan)
	Dec. 22, 2022	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Katherine L. Anderson on behalf of plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Anderson, Katherine)
	Dec. 22, 2022	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Hailey Vrdolyak on behalf of plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Vrdolyak, Hailey)
	Dec. 22, 2022	Attorney Appearance
	Dec. 22, 2022	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of David Andrew Cortman on behalf of plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Cortman, David)
6	Dec. 27, 2022	CASE ASSIGNMENT REVIEW indicating the cases are related ; signed by Magistrate Judge Ray Kent (jmw) (Entered: 12/27/2022)	RECAP
7	Dec. 27, 2022	NOTICE that this case has been assigned to Robert J. Jonker (slk) (Entered: 12/27/2022)	RECAP
8	Dec. 27, 2022	SUMMONS ISSUED as to defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (slk) (Entered: 12/27/2022)	RECAP
9	Jan. 23, 2023	ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER No. 23-CA-008 that this case is reassigned to District Judge Jane M. Beckering and Magistrate Judge Phillip J. Green for all further proceedings ; signed by Chief Judge Hala Y. Jarbou (mlc) (Entered: 01/23/2023)	RECAP
10	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Dana Nessel served on 1/13/2023, answer due 2/3/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
11	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; John E. Johnson, Jr served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
12	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Portia L. Roberson served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
13	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Zenna Faraj Elhason served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
14	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Gloria E. Lara served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
15	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Regina Gasco-Bentley served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
16	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Anupama Kosaraju served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
17	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Richard Corriveau served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
18	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; David Worthams served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
19	Jan. 26, 2023	SUMMONS returned executed; Luke R. Londo served on 1/17/2023, answer due 2/7/2023 (Bursch, John) (Entered: 01/26/2023)	RECAP
20	Feb. 2, 2023	PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 02/02/2023)	RECAP
	Feb. 2, 2023	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Cassandra A. Drysdale-Crown on behalf of defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra)
	Feb. 2, 2023	Attorney Appearance
21	Feb. 3, 2023	ORDER granting proposed stipulated order 20 ; extending briefing and responsive pleading deadlines; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 02/03/2023)	RECAP
22	Feb. 28, 2023	MOTION to dismiss by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams; (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 02/28/2023)	RECAP
23	Feb. 28, 2023	BRIEF in support of MOTION to dismiss 22 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) Modified text on 3/1/2023 (slk). (Entered: 02/28/2023)	RECAP
24	Feb. 28, 2023	CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION to dismiss 22 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 02/28/2023)	RECAP
25	Feb. 28, 2023	CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Brief in Support of a Motion, 23 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 02/28/2023)	RECAP
26	Feb. 28, 2023	RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION for preliminary injunction 4 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) Modified text on 3/1/2023 (slk). (Entered: 02/28/2023)	RECAP
	March 1, 2023	(NON-DOCUMENT) ATTORNEY APPEARANCE of Kimberly Karen Pendrick on behalf of defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Pendrick, Kimberly)
	March 1, 2023	Attorney Appearance
27	March 14, 2023	PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Allowing Combined Briefs by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Bursch, John) (Entered: 03/14/2023)	RECAP
28	March 15, 2023	ORDER granting STIPULATION to allow combined briefs 27 ; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 03/15/2023)	RECAP
29	March 28, 2023	RESPONSE in opposition to MOTION to dismiss 22 and Reply in Support of Plaintiffs' Preliminary Injunction Motion 4 filed by Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of John J. Bursch, # 2 Supplemental Declaration of Rev. Ronnie P. Floyd, # 3 Declaration of Jessica Hoff, # 4 Appendix) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 03/28/2023)	RECAP
30	April 11, 2023	PROPOSED STIPULATION and ORDER Extending Deadline for Reply to Motion to Dismiss by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Pendrick, Kimberly) (Entered: 04/11/2023)	RECAP
31	April 11, 2023	ORDER granting STIPULATION 30 ; extending deadline and word count for Defendants' reply; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (rmw) (Entered: 04/11/2023)	RECAP
32	April 18, 2023	REPLY to response to motion 22 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Attachments: # 1 Index Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A. Declaration of Marcelina Trevino) (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 04/18/2023)	RECAP
33	April 18, 2023	CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Reply to Response to Motion, 32 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 04/18/2023)	RECAP
34	May 8, 2023	MOTION for leave to file Supplemental Brief in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and in Support of Plaintiffs' Reply Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Preliminary Injunction Motion by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Brief in Support, # 2 Proposed Exhibit A, # 3 Proposed Order) (Bursch, John) Modified text on 5/9/2023 (slk). (Entered: 05/08/2023)	RECAP
35	May 8, 2023	CERTIFICATE regarding compliance with LCivR 7.1(d) re MOTION for leave to file Supplemental Brief in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and in Support of Plaintiffs' Reply Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Preliminary Injunction Motion 34 filed by Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Bursch, John) (Entered: 05/08/2023)	RECAP
36	May 22, 2023	RESPONSE TO MOTION for leave to file Supplemental Brief in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss and in Support of Plaintiffs' Reply Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Preliminary Injunction Motion 34 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 05/22/2023)	RECAP
37	May 22, 2023	CERTIFICATE of compliance re word count for Response to Motion, 36 filed by Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) (Entered: 05/22/2023)	RECAP
38	June 23, 2023	NOTICE re 29 of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 06/23/2023)	RECAP
39	July 6, 2023	RESPONSE BRIEF by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams re: Supplemental Authority 38 (Drysdale-Crown, Cassandra) Modified text on 7/7/2023 (slk). (Entered: 07/06/2023)	RECAP
40	July 10, 2023	NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 07/10/2023)	RECAP
41	July 21, 2023	BRIEF by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams In Response to Plaintiffs' 6/23/23 Notice of Supplemental Authority 38 (Pendrick, Kimberly) Modified text on 7/24/2023 (slk). (Entered: 07/21/2023)	RECAP
42	July 25, 2023	NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Block v Canepa Opinion) (Bursch, John) (Entered: 07/25/2023)	RECAP
43	Aug. 3, 2023	RESPONSE BRIEF to 42 by defendants Richard Corriveau, Zenna Faraj Elhason, Regina Gasco-Bentley, John E. Johnson, Jr, Anupama Kosaraju, Gloria E. Lara, Luke R. Londo, Dana Nessel, Portia L. Roberson, David Worthams Response to Plaintiffs' July 25, 2023 Notice of Supplemental Authority (Pendrick, Kimberly) Modified text on 8/3/2023 (slk). (Entered: 08/03/2023)	RECAP
44	Aug. 22, 2023	OPINION AND ORDER denying motion for leave to file 34 ; granting motion to dismiss 22 ; dismissing motion for preliminary injunction 4 ; judgment to issue; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (lep) (Entered: 08/22/2023)	RECAP
45	Aug. 22, 2023	JUDGMENT: the verified complaint is dismissed without prejudice; signed by District Judge Jane M. Beckering (lep) (Entered: 08/22/2023)	RECAP
46	Aug. 23, 2023	NOTICE OF APPEAL re 45, 44 by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini (Bursch, John) (Entered: 08/23/2023)	RECAP
	Aug. 23, 2023	Appeal Fee - Credit Card Payment
	Aug. 23, 2023	APPEAL FEE PAID re 46 by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini in the amount of $505, receipt number AMIWDC-7143293 (Bursch, John)
47	Aug. 28, 2023	LETTER FROM CCA regarding appeal 46 assigning CASE NUMBER 23-1781 indicating that the appeal has been filed (slk) (Entered: 08/28/2023)	RECAP
48	Sept. 29, 2023	MOTION to withdraw as attorney by plaintiffs Joseph Boutell, Renee Boutell, Jerry Hatley, Robin Hatley, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids, Katie Ugolini, Peter Ugolini; (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Vrdolyak, Hailey) (Entered: 09/29/2023)	RECAP
50	Sept. 20, 2024	USCA Opinion	RECAP
49	Oct. 11, 2024	Answer to Complaint	RECAP
	Oct. 11, 2024	Attorney Appearance
51	Oct. 15, 2024	USCA Mandate	RECAP
52	Oct. 15, 2024	Order	RECAP
53	Oct. 22, 2024	Answer to Complaint	RECAP
54	Oct. 24, 2024	Order Setting Rule 16 Scheduling Conference	RECAP
55	Nov. 12, 2024	Joint Status Report (Rule 16)	RECAP
56	Nov. 13, 2024	Notify Attorney Notice	RECAP
57	Nov. 13, 2024	Restricted Access Court Document	RECAP
58	Nov. 19, 2024	Scheduling Conference - Rule 16 By Telephone	RECAP
59	Nov. 19, 2024	Case Management Order	RECAP
	Nov. 21, 2024	Attorney Appearance
60	Dec. 4, 2024	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
61	Dec. 4, 2024	Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order	RECAP
62	Dec. 5, 2024	USCA Order	RECAP
63	Dec. 6, 2024	USCA Mandate	RECAP
64	Dec. 9, 2024	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
65	Dec. 9, 2024	Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order	RECAP
66	Dec. 12, 2024	Certificate of Service	RECAP
	Jan. 2, 2025	Attorney Appearance
67	Jan. 9, 2025	Proof of Service	RECAP
68	Jan. 13, 2025	Proof of Service	RECAP
69	Feb. 14, 2025	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
70	Feb. 14, 2025	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
71	Feb. 18, 2025	Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order	RECAP
72	Feb. 18, 2025	Protective Order	RECAP
	Feb. 18, 2025	Order Referring Motion to Magistrate Judge (Non-Document)
73	Feb. 21, 2025	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
74	Feb. 24, 2025	Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order	RECAP
75	April 23, 2025	Stipulation and Order (Proposed-one document)	RECAP
76	April 24, 2025	Order Setting Status Conference	RECAP
77	April 25, 2025	Proof of Service	RECAP
78	May 6, 2025	Status Conference	RECAP
79	May 6, 2025	Order on Stipulation and Proposed Order	RECAP
80	Aug. 22, 2025	Proof of Service	RECAP
81	Sept. 8, 2025	Stipulation	RECAP
82	Sept. 9, 2025	Notify Attorney Notice	RECAP
83	Sept. 9, 2025	Stipulation 1 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 2 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 6 View on PACER	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Michigan

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 22, 2022

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A religious organization, its school, and multiple private plaintiffs who are members of the religious organization.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Michigan Attorney General

Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

Free Exercise Clause

Other Dockets:

Western District of Michigan 1:22-cv-01214

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.:

Juveniles

Religious programs / policies

School/University policies

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

LGBTQ+:

LGBTQ+

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Grand Rapids v. Nessel, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/43940/ (last updated 1/29/2023).