Case: Crosspoint Church v. Makin

1:23-cv-00146 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maine

Filed Date: March 27, 2023

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This is a case challenging a state tuition program that allegedly discouraged schools from employing faith-based practices. On March 27, 2023, a Christian church filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. The plaintiff sued the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education and the Commissioners of the Maine Human Rights Commission, all named in their official capacities, asserting First and Fourteenth Amendment violations. The plaintiff alleged that Maine’s tui…

This is a case challenging a state tuition program that allegedly discouraged schools from employing faith-based practices.

On March 27, 2023, a Christian church filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. The plaintiff sued the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education and the Commissioners of the Maine Human Rights Commission, all named in their official capacities, asserting First and Fourteenth Amendment violations. The plaintiff alleged that Maine’s tuition program and the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA) imposed conditions that required religious schools to abandon faith-based hiring practices and teachings to receive public funding. The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring the defendants from enforcing the state law at issue, along with attorney’s fees. The case was assigned to District Judge John A. Woodcock Jr.

On March 27, 2023, the plaintiff filed a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to bar the defendants from enforcing the MHRA provision that conditioned a Christian school’s participation in the state's tuition program on its abandonment of its religious practices. It argued that the program violated the Free Speech and Establishment Clauses, that it would face irreparable harm absent injunctive relief, and that the balance of equities and public interest weighed in its favor.

On February 27, 2024, the court denied the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge Woodcock Jr. held that the plaintiff was unlikely to succeed on the merits and failed to show irreparable harm, that the balance of equities and public interest weighed against granting the injunction, and that the educational antidiscrimination provisions of the state law were neutral and rationally related to a legitimate government interest. 719 F.Supp.3d 99.

On March 28, 2024, the parties requested the court to convert its order on the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction into an order for a permanent injunction to facilitate efficient appellate review. On April 1, the court ordered the parties to provide a joint stipulation of facts to be included as part of the record for appellate review, which they provided on April 24. On June 4, 2024, the court granted the parties' request to convert the court’s denial of a preliminary injunction into a permanent injunction. 2024 WL 2830931.

On June 21, 2024, the plaintiff filed a notice of appeal of the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. 

On July 2, 2026, the First Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction, while remanding for further proceedings. The court held that the MHRA unconstitutionally restricted the school’s ability to limit religious expression to its own faith, reversing the district court’s decision on that claim. However, the court affirmed the district court’s finding that no violation of the Free Exercise or Free Speech Clauses had occurred.--- F.4th ----2026 WL 1906449.

As of July 15, 2026, the district court had deferred further action pending the issuance of the First Circuit’s remand order and this case remains ongoing.

Summary Authors

Alexis Gil (8/18/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67100735/parties/crosspoint-church-v-makin/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

BATES, TIFFANY H. (Maine)

Dys, Jeremiah (Maine)

Attorney for Defendant

FORSTER, SARAH A. (Maine)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Bates, Christopher (Maine)

Fraling, Michelle (Maine)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:23-cv-00146

Complaint

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

Complaint
5

1:23-cv-00146

Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

Pleading / Motion / Brief
41

1:23-cv-00146

Order on Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Feb. 27, 2024

Feb. 27, 2024

Order/Opinion

719 F.Supp.3d 99

43

1:23-cv-00146

Joint Motion To Convert Order On Preliminary Injunction Into Order On Permanent Injunction And Enter Final Judgment

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
45

1:23-cv-00146

Order On Joint Motion To Convert Order On Preliminary Injunction Into Order On Permanent Injunction And Enter Final Judgment

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

April 1, 2024

April 1, 2024

Order/Opinion
48

1:23-cv-00146

Joint Motion In Response To Court’s Order On Joint Motion To Convert Order On Preliminary Injunction Into Order On Permanent Injunction And Enter Final Judgment

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

April 24, 2024

April 24, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
49

1:23-cv-00146

Order On Joint Motion To Convert Order On Preliminary Injunction Into Order On Permanent Injunction And Enter Final Judgment

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

June 4, 2024

June 4, 2024

Order/Opinion

2024 WL 2830931

51

1:23-cv-00146

Notice of Appeal

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

June 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
108470894

24-01590

[Untitled]

Crosspoint Church v. Makin et al.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Order/Opinion

2026 WL 1906449

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67100735/crosspoint-church-v-makin/

Last updated July 28, 2026, 7:21 p.m.

Docket for: CROSSPOINT CHURCH v. MAKIN
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 March 27, 2023

COMPLAINT against JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER PAYMENT OF FILING FEE DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS. IF FILING FEE IS BEING PAID WITH A CREDIT CARD COUNSEL ARE INSTRUCTED TO LOGIN TO CMECF AND DOCKET Case Opening Filing Fee Paid FOUND IN THE Complaints and Other Initiating Documents CATEGORY. CHECK PAYMENTS DUE WITHIN 48 HOURS., filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (Service of Process Deadline 6/26/2023) Fee due by 3/29/2023. (jgd) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

Clearinghouse
2 March 27, 2023

CIVIL COVER SHEET. (jgd) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

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3 March 27, 2023

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (jgd) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

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4 March 27, 2023

Summons Issued as to JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER. Counsel shall print the embossed summons and effect service in the manner in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P.4. Note-If you are using Version 6 of Adobe Acrobat, be sure the PRINT WHAT field is set to DOCUMENTS AND COMMENTS (Click File, then Print to check this setting). (Attachments: # 1 Summons- Jefferson Ashby, # 2 Summons- Edward David, # 3 Summons- Julie Ann O'Brien, # 4 Summons- Mark Walker, # 5 Summons- Thomas Douglas) (jgd) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Summons- Jefferson Ashby

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2 Summons- Edward David

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3 Summons- Julie Ann O'Brien

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4 Summons- Mark Walker

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5 Summons- Thomas Douglas

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5 March 27, 2023

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 4/17/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. A - BCS Handbook, # 2 Exhibit Ex. B - BCS Teacher Contract, # 3 Exhibit Ex. C - BCS Staff Contract)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Exhibit Ex. A - BCS Handbook

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2 Exhibit Ex. B - BCS Teacher Contract

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3 Exhibit Ex. C - BCS Staff Contract

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Clearinghouse
6 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Tiffany H. Bates filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778375.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

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7 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Jeffrey C. Mateer filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778381.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions

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8 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of David J. Hacker filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778384.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions

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9 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Lea E. Patterson filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778387.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions

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10 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Keisha T. Russell filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778388.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

1 Appendix Addendum- Other Admissions

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11 March 27, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Courtney A. Jones filed by PATRICK N. STRAWBRIDGE on behalf of CROSSPOINT CHURCH (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2778389.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/27/2023)

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March 30, 2023

Filing Fee Paid via Credit Card ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number AMEDC-2779683.), filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH.(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK)

March 30, 2023

Case Opening Filing Fee Paid

12 April 5, 2023

Consent MOTION to Extend Time to April 28, 2023 to respond to Preliminary Injunction motion, Consent MOTION to Extend Time to File Answer to May 12, 2023 ( Responses due by 4/26/2023.) by JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER (TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 04/05/2023)

RECAP
13 April 6, 2023

ORDER granting 12 Motion to Extend Time. Defendants shall answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiff's Complaint by 5/12/2023 and shall respond to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary injunction by 4/28/2023. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 04/06/2023)

RECAP
April 6, 2023

Order on Motion to Extend Time

April 6, 2023

Set/Reset Answer Deadline

April 6, 2023

Set Answer Deadline for JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER per order #13: Answer due by 5/12/2023. (jad)

April 6, 2023

Set/Reset Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings

April 6, 2023

reset Deadlines as to 5 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction per order #13: Responses due by 4/28/2023. (jad)

14 April 28, 2023

RESPONSE to Motion re 5 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER. Reply due by 5/12/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - 1 (LD 1833), # 2 Exhibit - 2 (LD 1688), # 3 Exhibit - 3 (Testimony on LD 1688), # 4 Exhibit - 4 (Benjamin Deposition))(TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 04/28/2023)

1 Exhibit - 1 (LD 1833)

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2 Exhibit - 2 (LD 1688)

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3 Exhibit - 3 (Testimony on LD 1688)

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4 Exhibit - 4 (Benjamin Deposition)

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15 April 28, 2023

AFFIDAVIT of Megan Welter re 14 Response to Motion, filed by JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER. (TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 04/28/2023)

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16 April 28, 2023

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Amici Curiae Brief by American Civil Liberties Union of Maine, American Civil Liberties Union Responses due by 5/19/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Amici Curiae Brief)(HEIDEN, ZACHARY) (Entered: 04/28/2023)

1 Proposed Amici Curiae Brief

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17 April 28, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Heather Weaver filed by ZACHARY L. HEIDEN on behalf of American Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Union of Maine (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2792257.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 list of court admissions)(HEIDEN, ZACHARY) (Entered: 04/28/2023)

1 list of court admissions

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18 April 28, 2023

CERTIFICATION for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Daniel Mach filed by ZACHARY L. HEIDEN on behalf of American Civil Liberties Union, American Civil Liberties Union of Maine (Total admission fee $ 100 receipt number AMEDC-2792259.) The District of Maine is a CM/ECF NextGen Court. If PHV counsel has not previously been granted electronic filing rights with the District of Maine, PHV counsel will now need to submit a PRO HAC VICE request in this District via PACER at www.pacer.uscourts.gov (Attachments: # 1 list of court admissions)(HEIDEN, ZACHARY) (Entered: 04/28/2023)

1 list of court admissions

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19 May 1, 2023

ORDER granting 16 Motion for Leave to File Amici Curiae Brief By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (jad) (Entered: 05/01/2023)

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May 1, 2023

Order on Motion for Leave to File

20 May 2, 2023

BRIEF Amici Curiae in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction by AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF MAINE. (HEIDEN, ZACHARY) (Entered: 05/02/2023)

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21 May 12, 2023

REPLY to Response to Motion re 5 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 05/12/2023)

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22 May 12, 2023

ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH re 21 Reply to Response to Motion . Main Document: Exhibit D. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 05/12/2023)

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23 May 12, 2023

ANSWER to 1 Complaint,, by JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER.(TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 05/12/2023)

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24 May 15, 2023

SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 10/2/2023. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 10/10/2023. Motions due by 10/23/2023. Ready for Trial on 1/2/2024. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (jad) (Entered: 05/15/2023)

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25 May 23, 2023

NOTICE of Appearance by SARAH A. FORSTER on behalf of All Defendants (FORSTER, SARAH) (Entered: 05/23/2023)

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26 May 30, 2023

MOTION by Attorney Courtney A. Jones to Withdraw as Attorney by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 6/20/2023. (JONES, COURTNEY) (Entered: 05/30/2023)

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27 May 31, 2023

ORDER granting 26 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 05/31/2023)

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May 31, 2023

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

28 June 20, 2023

NOTICE/CORRESPONDENCE Re: Enactment of Maine Pub. L. 2023 ch. 188 by All Defendants (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit - A (Maine Pub. L. 2023, ch. 188))(TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 06/20/2023)

1 Exhibit - A (Maine Pub. L. 2023, ch. 188)

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29 June 27, 2023

NOTICE/CORRESPONDENCE Re: Enactment of Maine Pub. L. 2023 ch. 188 by All Plaintiffs (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 06/27/2023)

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30 Aug. 8, 2023

MOTION by Attorney Keisha Russell to Withdraw as Attorney by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 8/29/2023. (RUSSELL, KEISHA) (Entered: 08/08/2023)

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31 Aug. 8, 2023

ORDER granting 30 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 08/08/2023)

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Aug. 8, 2023

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

32 Sept. 14, 2023

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order to Extend Discovery Deadlines by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 10/5/2023. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 09/14/2023)

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33 Sept. 14, 2023

ORDER granting 32 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. Plaintiff shall make a written settlement by November 17, 2023, and Defendants shall respond in writing by December 1, 2023. Discovery shall be completed by December 1, 2023. Any notice of intent to file a summary judgment motion and request for pre-filing conference shall be filed by December 8, 2023. Dispositive motions and Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by December 22, 2023. The case shall be ready for trial on March 5, 2024. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 09/14/2023)

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Sept. 14, 2023

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

Sept. 14, 2023

Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines

Sept. 14, 2023

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 33: Discovery due by 12/1/2023. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 12/8/2023. Motions due by 12/22/2023. Ready for Trial on 3/5/2024. (jad)

34 Nov. 17, 2023

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order to Extend Discovery Deadlines by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 12/8/2023. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 11/17/2023)

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35 Nov. 17, 2023

ORDER granting 34 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. Plaintiff shall serve a written settlement demand by January 16, 2024 and Defendants shall respond in writing by January 30, 2024. Discovery shall be completed by January 30, 2024. Any notice of intent to file a summary judgment motion and request for pre-filing conference shall be filed by February 6, 2024. Dispositive motions and Daubert/Kumho motions shall be filed by February 20, 2024. The case shall be ready for trial on May 7, 2024. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 11/17/2023)

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Nov. 17, 2023

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

Nov. 17, 2023

Set/Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines

Nov. 17, 2023

Reset Scheduling Order Deadlines - per Order No. 35: Discovery due by 1/30/2024. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 2/6/2024. Motions due by 2/20/2024. Ready for Trial on 5/7/2024. (jad)

36 Jan. 12, 2024

Joint MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order to Extend Discovery Deadlines by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 2/2/2024. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 01/12/2024)

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37 Jan. 22, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing: Conference of Counsel set for 1/25/2024 11:00 AM via Zoom before MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. On 1/22/2024, the Zoom information was sent via email to the parties.(lcb) (Entered: 01/22/2024)

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38 Jan. 25, 2024

Minute Entry for proceedings held before MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF: Conference of Counsel held. Order to follow. (Court Reporter: Tammy Martell) (MGW) (Entered: 01/25/2024)

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39 Jan. 25, 2024

ORDER. With the parties' agreement, the scheduling order deadlines are hereby STAYED pending resolution of the motion for a preliminary injunction (ECF No. 5). A new scheduling order will issue after a decision on the motion for a preliminary injunction is entered. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (MGW) (Entered: 01/25/2024)

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40 Jan. 25, 2024

ORDER mooting 36 Motion to Amend Scheduling Order. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (MGW) (Entered: 01/25/2024)

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Jan. 25, 2024

Order on Motion to Amend Scheduling Order

Jan. 25, 2024

Order

41 Feb. 27, 2024

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION denying 5 Motion for Preliminary Injunction By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (CCS)

Clearinghouse
42 Feb. 27, 2024

SCHEDULING ORDER: Discovery due by 7/16/2024. Written Notice of Intent to File Summary Judgment Motion and Request for Pre-Filing Conference due by 7/23/2024. Motions due by 8/6/2024. Ready for Trial on 10/1/2024. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (jad) (Entered: 02/27/2024)

RECAP
43 March 28, 2024

Joint Motion Convert Order on Preliminary Injunction into Order on Permanent Injunction by CROSSPOINT CHURCH Responses due by 4/18/2024. (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) Modified on 3/29/2024 to clarify motion text (jam). Added MOTION for Judgment on 3/29/2024 (jam). (Entered: 03/28/2024)

Clearinghouse
44 March 28, 2024

STIPULATION of Facts by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Sneirson Testimony, # 2 Exhibit BCS Admission Application, # 3 Exhibit BCS Student Handbook, # 4 Exhibit Faculty Contract, # 5 Exhibit Teacher Contract, # 6 Exhibit Benjamin Deposition, # 7 Exhibit Boone Deposition, # 8 Exhibit LD 182 Legislative History, # 9 Exhibit Hasson Interrogatories, # 10 Exhibit Cardigan Mountain School Correspondence, # 11 Exhibit Frey Statement June 21, 2022, # 12 Exhibit Frey Statement Dec. 8, 2021, # 13 Exhibit Fecteau Tweet)(STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 03/28/2024)

1 Exhibit Sneirson Testimony

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2 Exhibit BCS Admission Application

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3 Exhibit BCS Student Handbook

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4 Exhibit Faculty Contract

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5 Exhibit Teacher Contract

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6 Exhibit Benjamin Deposition

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7 Exhibit Boone Deposition

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8 Exhibit LD 182 Legislative History

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9 Exhibit Hasson Interrogatories

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10 Exhibit Cardigan Mountain School Correspondence

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11 Exhibit Frey Statement June 21, 2022

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12 Exhibit Frey Statement Dec. 8, 2021

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13 Exhibit Fecteau Tweet

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45 April 1, 2024

ORDER ON JOINT MOTION TO CONVERT ORDER ON PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION INTO ORDER ON PERMANENT INJUNCTION AND ENTER FINAL JUDGMENT By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (jam) (Entered: 04/01/2024)

Clearinghouse
April 1, 2024

Set/Reset Deadlines

April 1, 2024

Set Deadlines per Order No. 45: Counsel's Response to order due by 4/8/2024. (jam)

46 April 9, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing: Telephone Conference set for 4/22/2024 11:00 AM before JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK JR. All participants will be provided with the Court's call-in information.(slg) (Entered: 04/09/2024)

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47 April 22, 2024

Minute Entry for proceedings held before JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR: Telephone Conference held, Set Deadlines( Response to Order No. 45 due by 4/29/2024.). (Court Reporter: Michelle Feliccitti) (jam) (Entered: 04/22/2024)

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48 April 24, 2024

Joint MOTION Response to Court's Order on Joint Motion to Convert Order on Preliminary Injunction into Order on Permanent Injunction and Enter Final Judgment by JEFFERSON ASHBY, EDWARD DAVID, THOMAS DOUGLAS, A PENDER MAKIN, JULIE ANN O'BRIEN, MARK WALKER Responses due by 5/15/2024. (TAUB, CHRISTOPHER) (Entered: 04/24/2024)

Clearinghouse
49 June 4, 2024

ORDER ON JOINT MOTION TO CONVERT ORDER ON PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION INTO ORDER ON PERMANENT INJUNCTION AND ENTER FINAL JUDGMENT granting 43 Motion to Convert Order on Preliminary Injunction Into Order on Permanent Injunction and Enter Final Judgment ; granting 48 Motion in Response to Court's Order on Joint Motion to Convert Order on Preliminary Injunction Into Order on Permanent Injunction and Enter Final Judgment By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (CCS)

Clearinghouse
50 June 5, 2024

JUDGMENT By DEPUTY CLERK: Joanne McCue. (jam) (Entered: 06/05/2024)

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51 June 21, 2024

NOTICE OF APPEAL by CROSSPOINT CHURCH . ( Filing fee $ 605 receipt number AMEDC-2969975.) NOTICE TO FILER: A transcript Report/Order form MUST be completed and submitted to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The form can be found under the Forms & Fees section on their website at https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov.NOTICE TO COUNSEL: Counsel should register for a First Circuit CM/ECF Appellate Filer Account at https://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov. Counsel should also review the First Circuit requirements for electronic filing by visiting the CM/ECF Information section at https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cmecf (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 06/21/2024)

Clearinghouse
52 June 21, 2024

APPEAL COVER SHEET Re: 51 Notice of Appeal (jam) (Entered: 06/21/2024)

RECAP
53 June 21, 2024

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE Re: 51 Notice of Appeal Documents sent to the U.S. Court of Appeals. (jam) (Entered: 06/21/2024)

RECAP
June 21, 2024

Copies of Notice of Appeal Sent to Counsel

June 21, 2024

COPIES of Notice of Appeal Sent to Counsel Re: 51 Notice of Appeal,,, filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (jam)

June 21, 2024

Abbreviated Appeal Record Transmitted to USCA

June 21, 2024

Abbreviated Appeal Record Transmitted Electronically to U.S. Court of Appeals re 51 Notice of Appeal,,, (jam)

54 June 24, 2024

USCA Case Number 24-1590 for 51 Notice of Appeal filed by CROSSPOINT CHURCH. (jwr) (Entered: 06/24/2024)

RECAP
56 April 2, 2026

ORDER granting 55 Motion of Attorney Taub to Withdraw as Counsel. By MAGISTRATE JUDGE KAREN FRINK WOLF. (WOLF, KAREN) (Entered: 04/02/2026)

RECAP
April 2, 2026

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

57 July 7, 2026

ORDER As counsel are aware, the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued its opinions in these cases on July 2, 2026 and in each case, remanded the case "for further proceedings consistent with this opinion, including the timely entry of a permanent injunction against the Religious Expression Rule as applied to [the plaintiffs]." In view of this order, the Court would appreciate hearing from the parties as to next steps within seven days of the date of this order and how the Court should comply with the First Circuit's order. By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (jam) (Entered: 07/07/2026)

RECAP
July 7, 2026

Order

July 7, 2026

Set Deadlines per Order No. 57: Parties to provide the court with next steps on how to proceed due by 7/14/2026. (jam)

58 July 14, 2026

NOTICE/CORRESPONDENCE Re: the Court's Order (Doc 57) by CROSSPOINT CHURCH (STRAWBRIDGE, PATRICK) (Entered: 07/14/2026)

RECAP
59 July 15, 2026

ORDER: Pursuant to the Court's order dated July 7, 2026, Crosspoint Church in Crosspoint Church v. Makin, No. 2:23-cv-00146-JAW, responded to the Court's request for guidance concerning implementation of the decision of the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit dated July 2, 2026. The Court appreciates counsels' response, and the Court defers action until such time as the First Circuit Court of Appeals has issued its remand order, restoring jurisdiction to this Court. By JUDGE JOHN A. WOODCOCK, JR. (mmy) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

RECAP
July 15, 2026

Order

62 July 27, 2026

Order on Motion for Preliminary Injunction

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Maine

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 27, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is a Christian church.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

State

Commissioner of the Maine Department of Education

Commissioners of the Maine Human Rights Commission

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Freedom of speech/association

Free Exercise Clause

Other Dockets:

District of Maine 1:23-cv-00146

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 24-01590

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

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

School/University policies

Affected Religion(s):

Christianity

Recommended Citation