Case: Johnson v. The University of Oklahoma

5:24-cv-00495 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma

Filed Date: May 15, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This is a case about colleges' consideration of race in distribution of financial aid. On May 15, 2024, three white students filed a putative class action lawsuit against the University of Oklahoma and a series of University officials in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The plaintiffs alleged that the University discriminated in favor of Black students when awarding financial aid. They sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging violations of the Fourteenth Amendment's Eq…

This is a case about colleges' consideration of race in distribution of financial aid. On May 15, 2024, three white students filed a putative class action lawsuit against the University of Oklahoma and a series of University officials in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. The plaintiffs alleged that the University discriminated in favor of Black students when awarding financial aid. They sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging violations of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause; they also brought a Title VI claim for racial discrimination. Represented by private counsel and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (a think tank), the plaintiffs sought a declaratory judgment and compensatory damages. They sought to represent a class of current, former, and future students at the University who are not Black and who applied for financial aid but did not have their full cost of attendance covered. Judge Patrick Wyrck was assigned to the case. 

On July 15, 2024, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the plaintiffs did not plead facts establishing the University engaged in intentional race discrimination in awarding financial aid, and that the University is not a “person” covered by § 1983. On August 5, 2024, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint removing the Equal Protection Clause claim against the University (but retaining the equal protection claims against individual University officials). Four days later, the defendants filed another motion to dismiss. The case is ongoing as of May 4, 2025.

Summary Authors

Isabel Bysiewicz (3/16/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68531015/parties/johnson-v-the-university-of-oklahoma/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Adkisson, Samuel Dawson (Oklahoma)

Hardiman, Kate (Oklahoma)

Haynie, Ryan A (Oklahoma)

Attorney for Defendant

Burrage, Michael (Oklahoma)

Hanson, Hayley Elizabeth (Oklahoma)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

5:24-cv-00495

Class Action Complaint

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

Complaint
21

5:24-cv-00495

Defendants’ Amended Motion to Dismiss the Complaint

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
19

5:24-cv-00495

Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Complaint

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
42

5:24-cv-00495

First Amended Class Action Complaint

Aug. 5, 2024

Aug. 5, 2024

Complaint
49

5:24-cv-00495

Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint

Aug. 19, 2024

Aug. 19, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68531015/johnson-v-the-university-of-oklahoma/

Last updated July 16, 2025, 4:09 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Dorion Billups, Jeff Blahnik, Joseph Harroz, Jr, Courtney Henderson, The University of Oklahoma filed by Kayla Savage(On behalf of all others similarly situated), Brayden Johnson(On behalf of all others similarly situated,), Logan Rhines(On behalf of all others similarly situated), Kayla Savage(Individually), Brayden Johnson(Individually ), Logan Rhines(Individually). (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(kb) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

Clearinghouse

Payment for a Civil Case

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

PACER
2

Summons Issued Electronically as to Dorion Billups, Jeff Blahnik, Joseph Harroz, Jr, Courtney Henderson, The University of Oklahoma. (kb) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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PAYMENT FOR A CIVIL CASE Filing fee $ 405, receipt number AOKWDC-4433690. (Haynie, Ryan)

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

PACER
3

ENTRY of Appearance by Ryan A Haynie on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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4

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice David H. Thompson Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4433876 by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV)(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV

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May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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5

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Kate Hardiman Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4433894 by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV)(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV

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May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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6

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Samuel D. Adkisson Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4433897 by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV)(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV

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May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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7

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Peter A. Patterson Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4433899 by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV)(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/15/2024)

1 Attachment Request for Admission PHV

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May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

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8

ORDER granting 4 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; David H. Thompson is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Plaintiffs, provided Mr. Thompson becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 5/16/2024. (ks) (Entered: 05/16/2024)

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

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9

ORDER granting 5 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; Kate Hardiman is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Plaintiffs, provided Ms. Hardiman becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 5/16/2024. (ks) (Entered: 05/16/2024)

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

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10

ORDER granting 6 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; Samuel D. Adkisson is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Plaintiffs, provided Mr. Adkisson becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 5/16/2024. (ks) (Entered: 05/16/2024)

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

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11

ORDER granting 7 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice; Peter A. Patterson is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Plaintiffs, provided Mr. Patterson becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 5/16/2024. (ks) (Entered: 05/16/2024)

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

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12

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by Defendants Dorion Billups, Jeff Blahnik, Joseph Harroz, Jr, Courtney Henderson, The University of Oklahoma. Dorion Billups waiver sent on 5/16/2024, answer due 7/15/2024; Jeff Blahnik waiver sent on 5/16/2024, answer due 7/15/2024; Joseph Harroz, Jr waiver sent on 5/16/2024, answer due 7/15/2024; Courtney Henderson waiver sent on 5/16/2024, answer due 7/15/2024; The University of Oklahoma waiver sent on 5/16/2024, answer due 7/15/2024. (Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 05/16/2024)

May 16, 2024

May 16, 2024

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13

ENTRY of Appearance by David H. Thompson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Thompson, David) (Entered: 05/17/2024)

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

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14

ENTRY of Appearance by Peter A. Patterson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Patterson, Peter) (Entered: 05/17/2024)

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

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15

ENTRY of Appearance by Samuel Dawson Adkisson on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Adkisson, Samuel) (Entered: 05/17/2024)

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

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16

ENTRY of Appearance by Kate Hardiman on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hardiman, Kate) (Entered: 05/17/2024)

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

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17

ENTRY of Appearance by Michael Burrage on behalf of All Defendants (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

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18

ENTRY of Appearance by Patricia A Sawyer on behalf of All Defendants (Sawyer, Patricia) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

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19

MOTION to Dismiss by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

Clearinghouse
20

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 19 MOTION to Dismiss by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

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21

AMENDED MOTION to Dismiss by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

Clearinghouse
22

ENTRY of Appearance by Armand Paliotta on behalf of All Defendants (Paliotta, Armand) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

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23

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Derek T. Teeter Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4475469 by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1)(Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

1 Exhibit Ex. 1

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July 16, 2024

July 16, 2024

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24

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Daniel G. Solomom Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4475485 by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1)(Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

1 Exhibit Ex. 1

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July 16, 2024

July 16, 2024

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25

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Michael T. Raupp Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4475523 by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1)(Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

1 Exhibit Ex. 1

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July 16, 2024

July 16, 2024

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26

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Hayley Hanson Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4475542 by All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1)(Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 07/16/2024)

1 Ex. 1

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July 16, 2024

July 16, 2024

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27

ORDER granting 23 defendants' Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Derek T. Teeter is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Defendants, provided Mr. Teeter becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 7/17/2024. (ks) (Entered: 07/17/2024)

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

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28

ORDER granting 24 defendant's Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Daniel G. Solomon is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Defendants, provided Mr. Solomon becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 7/17/2024. (ks) (Entered: 07/17/2024)

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

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29

ORDER granting 25 defendants' Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Michael T. Raupp is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Defendants, provided Mr. Raupp becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 7/17/2024. (ks) (Entered: 07/17/2024)

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

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30

ORDER granting 26 defendants' Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Hayley Hanson is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Defendants, provided Ms. Hanson becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 7/17/2024. (ks) (Entered: 07/17/2024)

July 17, 2024

July 17, 2024

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31

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by All Plaintiffs. (Hardiman, Kate) (Entered: 07/19/2024)

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

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32

ORDER granting 31 Plaintiffs' Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Kate Hardiman terminated. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 7/19/2024. (ks) (Entered: 07/19/2024)

July 19, 2024

July 19, 2024

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33

ENTRY of Appearance by Derek Todd Teeter on behalf of All Defendants (Teeter, Derek) (Entered: 07/22/2024)

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

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34

ENTRY of Appearance by Hayley Elizabeth Hanson on behalf of All Defendants (Hanson, Hayley) (Entered: 07/22/2024)

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

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35

ENTRY of Appearance by Michael Thomas Raupp on behalf of All Defendants (Raupp, Michael) (Entered: 07/22/2024)

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

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36

ENTRY of Appearance by Daniel Solomon on behalf of All Defendants (Solomon, Daniel) (Entered: 07/22/2024)

July 22, 2024

July 22, 2024

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37

ENTRY of Appearance by Megan E Lambert on behalf of American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights (Lambert, Megan) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

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38

ENTRY of Appearance by Adam Hines on behalf of American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights (Hines, Adam) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

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39

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 100, receipt number BOKWDC-4482999 by American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 - PHV Request)(Lambert, Megan) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

1 Attachment 1 - PHV Request

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July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

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40

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 100, receipt number AOKWDC-4483049 by American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 - PHV Request)(Lambert, Megan) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

1 Attachment 1 - PHV Request

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July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

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41

MOTION for Leave to File a Brief as Amicus Curiae by American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 - Amicus Brief)(Lambert, Megan) (Entered: 07/25/2024)

1 Attachment 1 - Amicus Brief

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July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

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42

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by All Plaintiffs.(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 08/05/2024)

Aug. 5, 2024

Aug. 5, 2024

Clearinghouse
43

ORDER granting 39 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Maya Brodziak is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Amici, provided Maya Brodziak becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 8/8/2024. (ks) (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

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44

ORDER granting 40 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice; Chavis Jones is admitted to practice before this Court for the limited purpose of participating in this case on behalf of Amici, provided Chavis Jones becomes properly registered in the Court's Electronic Case Filing System and files an entry of appearance, consistent with LCvR 83.4. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 8/8/2024. (ks) (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

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45

ORDER granting 41 Amici's Partially Unopposed Motion of Civil Rights Amici for Leave to File Amici Curiae Brief in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss, by August 15, 2024. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 8/8/2024. (ks) (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

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46

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 19 MOTION to Dismiss of Amici Curiae by American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma Foundation, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. (Lambert, Megan) (Entered: 08/14/2024)

Aug. 14, 2024

Aug. 14, 2024

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47

ORDER finding as moot 19 defendants' Motion to Dismiss, as an Amended Motion to Dismiss 21 has now been filed. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 8/15/2024. (ks) (Entered: 08/15/2024)

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

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48

ORDER finding as moot 21 Defendants' Amended Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint, as plaintiff has filed a 42 First Amended Class Action Complaint. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 8/16/2024. (ks) (Entered: 08/16/2024)

Aug. 16, 2024

Aug. 16, 2024

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49

MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2024)

Aug. 19, 2024

Aug. 19, 2024

Clearinghouse
50

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 49 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2024)

Aug. 19, 2024

Aug. 19, 2024

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51

RESPONSE to Motion re 49 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint filed by All Plaintiffs. (Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 09/09/2024)

Sept. 9, 2024

Sept. 9, 2024

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52

REPLY to Response to Motion re 49 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint filed by All Defendants. (Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 09/16/2024)

Sept. 16, 2024

Sept. 16, 2024

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53

NOTICE (other) by The University of Oklahoma, Joseph Harroz, Jr, Jeff Blahnik, Courtney Henderson, Dorion Billups re 50 Brief, 49 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint, 52 Reply to Response to Motion of Supplemental Authority (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - 5th Cir. No. 23-20481, # 2 Exhibit 2 - 696 F. Supp. 3d 272)(Burrage, Michael) (Entered: 11/12/2024)

1 Exhibit 1 - 5th Cir. No. 23-20481

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2 Exhibit 2 - 696 F. Supp. 3d 272

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Nov. 12, 2024

Nov. 12, 2024

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54

MOTION for Leave to File Reply to Defendants' Notice of Supplemental Authority (Doc. 53) by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiff's Proposed Response to Defendants' Notice of Supplemental Authority)(Haynie, Ryan) (Entered: 11/19/2024)

Nov. 19, 2024

Nov. 19, 2024

PACER
55

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by All Plaintiffs. (Adkisson, Samuel) (Entered: 01/24/2025)

Jan. 24, 2025

Jan. 24, 2025

PACER
56

ORDER granting 55 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Samuel Dawson Adkisson terminated. Signed by Judge Patrick R Wyrick on 02/14/2025. (kb) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

PACER
57

Order on Motion for Leave to File Reply

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER
58

Response to Non - Motion

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

PACER

Case Details