Case: Carter v. United States Department of Education

1:25-cv-00744 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: March 14, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case is about the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education and its Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the resulting halt of investigations into discrimination complaints. Plaintiffs filed this case in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on March 14, 2025. The plaintiffs in this case are (1) the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, a nonprofit representing the interests of parents with children with disabilities, and (2) parents who filed complaints with OCR, only for OCR to stop investigating and proceeding with their complaints. Represented by nonprofit counsel, Plaintiffs brought this action against the U.S. Department of Education and its agency heads. This case was assigned to Judge Paul L. Friedman.

The complaint alleges that after the inauguration, OCR investigations into discrimination complaints stopped, but that OCR opened investigations which targeted programs and actions “intended to support students of color and LGBTQI+ students.” The Department of Education launched an “End DEI portal” which accepted information to use to target DEI programs. The complaint further stipulates that OCR’s workforce had been “decimated” preventing “OCR from performing its statutory duties.” Plaintiffs argued that the Department of Education’s actions “violate the Administrative Procedure Act, exceed defendants’ lawful authority, and violate the equal protection guarantee under the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment.” Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief.

Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on April 10, 2025. The amended complaint introduces new counts related to violations of the APA, highlighting actions taken by the DOE and OCR that obstructed and delayed investigations into civil rights complaints. It includes a claim for an ultra vires agency action, arguing that the DOE's actions in halting OCR investigations exceed their lawful authority. The amended complaint also adds new plaintiffs. The plaintiffs challenged (1) the specific agency actions of reducing the workforce and closing regional offices; (2) the effect those actions will have on OCR investigations; and (3) the agency's unreasonable delay in current investigations.

On May 2, 2025, the plaintiffs filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction ordering the government to reinstate thousands of OCR investigations that it alleged had been dropped. On May 21, the court denied the preliminary injunction. The court found that the plaintiffs had "provided substantial evidence that the Department's actions have impacted OCR's operations and will make it difficult for OCR to conduct investigations." However, the court did not find that the plaintiffs had shown a likelihood of success on the merits as required for the issuing of a preliminary injunction. The court reached its conclusions for two reasons: (1) the plaintiffs failed to provide evidence showing that OCR had failed to fulfill its statutory duties with its reduced workforce; and (2) the plaintiffs' claim that "OCR will be unable to perform its duties represents a 'broad programmatic attack' on the agency's operations that is not cognizable under the APA." For these reasons, the court found that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits. 2025 WL 1453562.

On July 8, following a status report by the parties noting that injunctions in other cases had prevented the Department from implementing its reduction-in-force, the court stayed this case until appeal of State of New York v. McMahon and Victim Rights Law Center v. Department of Education. The court instructed the parties to inform the court if the injunctions were vacated or affirmed on appeal and said that it would then consider further steps.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Juliet Alpert (3/19/2025)

Jeremiah Price (6/4/2025)

Allison Opheim (9/22/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69737108/parties/carter-v-united-states-department-of-education/

Judge(s)

Friedman, Paul L. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Almazan-Altobelli, Selene A. (District of Columbia)

Boyd, Samuel T.S. (District of Columbia)

Bugga, Pallavi (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bruns, Michael Benjamin (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Friedman, Paul L. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Almazan-Altobelli, Selene A. (District of Columbia)

Boyd, Samuel T.S. (District of Columbia)

Bugga, Pallavi (District of Columbia)

Hinojosa, David (District of Columbia)

Le, Hong (District of Columbia)

Monfredo, Nina (District of Columbia)

Pitts, Freya (District of Columbia)

Sherburne, Claire (District of Columbia)

Smith, Johnathan James (District of Columbia)

Tafelski, Michael Joseph (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bruns, Michael Benjamin (District of Columbia)

Rosenberg, Brad P. (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:25-cv-00744	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	March 14, 2025	March 14, 2025 Complaint
15 1:25-cv-00744	First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	April 10, 2025	April 10, 2025 Complaint
52 1:25-cv-00744	Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Carter v. U.S. Department of Education	May 2, 2025	May 2, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
52-1 1:25-cv-00744	Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction Carter v. U.S. Department of Education	May 2, 2025	May 2, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
68 1:25-cv-00744	Opinion	May 21, 2025	May 21, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 1453562

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
February 14, 2025 Dear Colleague Letter Craig Trainor	Letter published by the Department of Education under the second Trump administration, purporting to ban the teaching of history and other subjects that acknowledged systemic and structural racism, b…	Feb. 14, 2025	Feb. 14, 2025 https://www.ed.gov/...
EO 14201 - Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports President Donald Trump	Rescinding all federal funds from educational programs that allow transgender girls and women to compete in girls' and women's sports.	Feb. 5, 2025	Feb. 5, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/...
EO 14190 - Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling President Donald Trump	Directing federal agencies to end funding of schools and educational programs that support the "promotion of gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" or support the social transition of min…	Jan. 29, 2025	Jan. 29, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/...
EO 14168 - Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government President Donald Trump	Declaring that the United States government recognized two biologically-defined sexes, male and female and implementing this definition of gender in various legal spaces, including but not limited to…	Jan. 20, 2025	Jan. 20, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69737108/carter-v-united-states-department-of-education/

Last updated July 22, 2026, 4:43 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	March 14, 2025	COMPLAINT FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against LINDA MCMAHON, CRAIG TRAINOR, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11541040) filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., A.W.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Summons View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	March 14, 2025	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
3	March 14, 2025	SEALED DOCUMENT filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC. re 1 Complaint, (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
4	March 14, 2025	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests for Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC. (Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
5	March 14, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of A.W. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, Dkt. 2, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
6	March 14, 2025	SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to LINDA MCMAHON, CRAIG TRAINOR, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
7	March 14, 2025	Case randomly reassigned to Judge Paul L. Friedman. Judge Amir H. Ali is no longer assigned to the case. (rj) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
8	March 14, 2025	REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., A.W.. Related document: 1 Complaint, filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Summons)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 03/14/2025)	RECAP
12	March 14, 2025	SEALED Declaration filed by NIKKI S. CARTER, A.W., COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC.. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 03/17/2025)	RECAP
	March 14, 2025	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	March 14, 2025	Case Assigned to Judge Amir H. Ali. (zmtm)
	March 14, 2025	Notice of Error- New Case
	March 14, 2025	NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR The following error(s) need correction: Missing summonses- U.S. government. When naming a U.S. government agent or agency as a defendant, you must supply a summons for each defendant & two additional summonses for the U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. Please submit using the event Request for Summons to Issue. (zmtm)
11	March 17, 2025	SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zjm) (Entered: 03/17/2025) 1 Notice and Consent View on PACER	RECAP
13	April 9, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Pallavi Bugga, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11603284. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Standing)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/09/2025)	RECAP
14	April 9, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Selene Almazan-Altobelli, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11603286. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/09/2025)	RECAP
15	April 10, 2025	AMENDED COMPLAINT (FIRST) FOR DECLARATORY AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF against All Defendants filed by COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS, A.S., MELISSA COMBS, AMY CUPP, A.M..(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	Clearinghouse
16	April 10, 2025	SEALED DOCUMENT filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS re 15 Amended Complaint, (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
17	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
18	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
19	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
20	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
21	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of K.D. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
22	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Melissa Combs in Support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
23	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of A.S. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
24	April 10, 2025	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of A.M. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/10/2025)	RECAP
25	April 11, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Freya Pitts, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11610458. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Freya Pitts)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/11/2025)	RECAP
26	April 11, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Hong Le, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11610526. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/11/2025)	RECAP
	April 11, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	April 11, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 25 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 11, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 11, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 11, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 11, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 11, 2025. (lcjd)
29	April 14, 2025	SEALED Declaration of K.D. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. re 17 Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	RECAP
30	April 14, 2025	SEALED Declaration of Melissa Combs in Support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. re 18 Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	RECAP
31	April 14, 2025	SEALED Declaration of A.S. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. re 19 Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	RECAP
32	April 14, 2025	SEALED Declar ation of A.M. in support of Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonymfiled by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. re 20 Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 04/15/2025)	RECAP
33	April 16, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Pallavi Bugga, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11622043. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission of Pallavi Bugga)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/16/2025)	RECAP
34	April 16, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Selene Almazan-Altobelli, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11622052. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission of Selene Almazan-Altobelli)(Smith, Johnathan) (Entered: 04/16/2025)	RECAP
	April 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiffs' 13 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice is DENIED. Counsel must submit a declaration including a business telephone number. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 16, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiffs' 13 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice is DENIED. Counsel must submit a declaration including a business telephone number. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 16, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice is DENIED. Counsel must submit a declaration including a business telephone number. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 16, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Plaintiffs' 14 Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice is DENIED. Counsel must submit a declaration including a business telephone number. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 16, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 17, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 33 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 17, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 17, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	April 17, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 34 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 17, 2025. (lcjd)
	April 17, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 34 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on April 17, 2025. (lcjd)
35	April 22, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by David Hinojosa on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 04/22/2025)	RECAP
36	April 22, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 4/4/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 6/3/2025. (Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 04/22/2025)	RECAP
37	April 22, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 04/14/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 04/22/2025)	RECAP
38	April 22, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. LINDA MCMAHON served on 4/14/2025; CRAIG TRAINOR served on 4/14/2025; UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION served on 4/14/2025 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 04/22/2025)	RECAP
39	April 23, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Freya Pitts on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Pitts, Freya) (Entered: 04/23/2025)	RECAP
40	April 23, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Hong Le on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Le, Hong) (Entered: 04/23/2025)	RECAP
41	April 23, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Pallavi Bugga on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Bugga, Pallavi) (Entered: 04/23/2025)	RECAP
42	April 23, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Selene A. Almazan-Altobelli on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Almazan-Altobelli, Selene) (Entered: 04/23/2025)	RECAP
43	May 1, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR.....MOTION for Leave to File Pseudonymous Declarations by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit A)(Hinojosa, David) Modified on 5/1/2025; entered in error at the request of counsel (zdp). (Entered: 05/01/2025)	RECAP
44	May 1, 2025	MOTION for Leave to File Pseudonymous Declarations by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit A, # 3 Declaration Doe Declaration 1, # 4 Declaration Doe Declaration 2, # 5 Declaration Doe Declaration 3, # 6 Declaration Doe Declaration 4, # 7 Declaration Doe Declaration 5, # 8 Declaration Doe Declaration 6, # 9 Declaration Doe Declaration 7, # 10 Declaration Doe Declaration 8)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/01/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on PACER 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit A View on PACER 3 Declaration Doe Declaration 1 View on PACER 4 Declaration Doe Declaration 2 View on PACER 5 Declaration Doe Declaration 3 View on PACER 6 Declaration Doe Declaration 4 View on PACER 7 Declaration Doe Declaration 5 View on PACER 8 Declaration Doe Declaration 6 View on PACER 9 Declaration Doe Declaration 7 View on PACER 10 Declaration Doe Declaration 8 View on PACER	RECAP
45	May 2, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Brad P. Rosenberg on behalf of All Defendants (Rosenberg, Brad) (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
46	May 2, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR.....MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Samuel Boyd, Fee Status: No Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Samuel Boyd)(Hinojosa, David) Modified on 5/5/2025 Refile at entry 48 (zjm). (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
47	May 2, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR.....MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Michael Tafelski, Fee Status: No Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Michael Tafelski)(Hinojosa, David) Modified on 5/5/2025 refiled at entry 51 (zjm). (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
48	May 2, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Sam Boyd, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11663323. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
49	May 2, 2025	ENTERED IN ERROR.....MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Claire Sherburne, Fee Status: No Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Claire Sherburne)(Hinojosa, David) Modified on 5/7/2025 REFILED AT ENTRY 50 (zjm). (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
50	May 2, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Claire Sherburne, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11663339. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
51	May 2, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Michael J. Tafelski, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11663342. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/02/2025)	RECAP
52	May 2, 2025	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit A, # 3 Declaration, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit 3, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit 4, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit 5, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit 6, # 10 Declaration K.D., # 11 Declaration Combs, # 12 Declaration A.C., # 13 Declaration A.M., # 14 Declaration Carter, # 15 Declaration Marshall, # 16 Declaration Doe 1, # 17 Declaration Doe 2, # 18 Declaration Doe 3, # 19 Declaration Doe 4, # 20 Declaration Doe 5, # 21 Declaration Doe 6, # 22 Declaration Doe 7, # 23 Declaration Doe 8, # 24 Declaration ARH)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/02/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order Exhibit A View on RECAP 3 Declaration View on RECAP 4 Exhibit Exhibit 1 View on RECAP 5 Exhibit Exhibit 2 View on RECAP 6 Exhibit Exhibit 3 View on RECAP 7 Exhibit Exhibit 4 View on RECAP 8 Exhibit Exhibit 5 View on RECAP 9 Exhibit Exhibit 6 View on RECAP 10 Declaration K.D. View on RECAP 11 Declaration Combs View on RECAP 12 Declaration A.C. View on RECAP 13 Declaration A.M. View on RECAP 14 Declaration Carter View on RECAP 15 Declaration Marshall View on RECAP 16 Declaration Doe 1 View on RECAP 17 Declaration Doe 2 View on RECAP 18 Declaration Doe 3 View on RECAP 19 Declaration Doe 4 View on RECAP 20 Declaration Doe 5 View on RECAP 21 Declaration Doe 6 View on RECAP 22 Declaration Doe 7 View on RECAP 23 Declaration Doe 8 View on RECAP 24 Declaration ARH View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
53	May 5, 2025	ORDER directing parties to meet and confer and file a joint status report on or before May 6, 2025. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 5, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 05/05/2025)	RECAP
54	May 6, 2025	Joint STATUS REPORT In response to May 5, 2025 Order (ECF 53) by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/06/2025)	RECAP
55	May 7, 2025	ORDER setting forth briefing schedule on plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction [Dkt. No. 52] and scheduling oral argument on May 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 05/07/2025)	RECAP
56	May 7, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Nina Monfredo, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11673898. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Nina Monfredo, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/07/2025)	RECAP
	May 7, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 48 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (ATM)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 51 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (ATM)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 51 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (ATM)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 50 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (ATM)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 50 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (ATM)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 56 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (lcjd)
	May 7, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 56 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 7, 2025. (lcjd)
	May 8, 2025	Set/Reset Deadlines: Opposition to preliminary injunction due by 5/12/2025; Reply due by 5/16/2025; Joint Report due by 5/19/2025; Preliminary Injunction Hearing set for 5/20/2025 at 3:00 PM in Courtroom 29A- In Person before Judge Paul L. Friedman. (tj)
	May 8, 2025	Set/Reset Deadlines AND Set/Reset Hearings
	May 8, 2025	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rudolph Contreras: Preliminary Injunction Hearing held on 5/8/2025. Oral argument heard, and the court takes the motion under advisement. (Court Reporter: Tim Miller.) (tj)
57	May 12, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Benjamin Bruns on behalf of All Defendants (Bruns, Michael) (Entered: 05/12/2025)	RECAP
58	May 12, 2025	Memorandum in opposition to re 52 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by LINDA MCMAHON, CRAIG TRAINOR, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bruns, Michael) (Entered: 05/12/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
59	May 15, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Samuel T.S. Boyd on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Boyd, Samuel) (Entered: 05/15/2025)	RECAP
60	May 15, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Joseph Tafelski on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Tafelski, Michael) (Entered: 05/15/2025)	RECAP
61	May 15, 2025	ORDER granting 44 Motion for Leave to File Pseudonymous Declarations. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 15, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 05/15/2025)	RECAP
62	May 15, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Claire Sherburne on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Sherburne, Claire) (Entered: 05/15/2025)	RECAP
63	May 15, 2025	DECLARATIONS by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS re 52 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction . (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Doe Declaration 2, # 2 Declaration Doe Declaration 3, # 3 Declaration Doe Declaration 4, # 4 Declaration Doe Declaration 5, # 5 Declaration Doe Declaration 6, # 6 Declaration Doe Declaration 7, # 7 Declaration Doe Declaration 8)(zjm) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	RECAP
64	May 16, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Nina Monfredo on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Monfredo, Nina) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	RECAP
65	May 16, 2025	REPLY to opposition to motion re 52 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,, filed by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	RECAP
	May 16, 2025	.Order
	May 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: The Court will connect the public-access telephone line for the motion hearing now scheduled for May 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. Any member of the public or media may access the public-access line by dialing (833) 990-9400, and using meeting ID 492497252. As a reminder, any use of the public-access telephone line requires adherence to the general prohibition against recording, livestreaming, and rebroadcasting of court proceedings (including those held by videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or other sanctions deemed necessary by the Court. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 16, 2025. (lcjd)
66	May 19, 2025	Joint STATUS REPORT by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/19/2025)	RECAP
	May 20, 2025	Minute Entry for proceedings held on 5/20/2025 before Judge Paul L. Friedman re 52 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by AMY CUPP, A.M., A.W., MELISSA COMBS, K.D., NIKKI S. CARTER, ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., A.S. Motion arguments heard and taken under advisement. (Court Reporter Sonia Reeves) (zdrf)
67	May 21, 2025	ORDER denying 52 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. See Order for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 21, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 05/21/2025)	RECAP
68	May 21, 2025	OPINION denying 52 Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. See Opinion for details. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on May 21, 2025. (lcjd) (Entered: 05/21/2025)	Clearinghouse
69	May 30, 2025	Joint STATUS REPORT re 67 In response to May 21, 2025 order (ECF 67) by A.M., A.S., A.W., NIKKI S. CARTER, MELISSA COMBS, COUNCIL OF PARENT ATTORNEYS AND ADVOCATES, INC., AMY CUPP, K.D., ELIZABETH STEWART-WILLIAMS. (Hinojosa, David) Modified to add link on 6/2/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 05/30/2025)	RECAP
	June 16, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 69 Joint Status Report, this case is STAYED pending further order of the Court. The parties shall file a joint status report on or before July 7, 2025, updating the Court on the status of the appeals in the State of New York v. McMahon, Civil Action No. 25-10601 (MJJ) (D. Mass.) and Somerville Public Schools v. Trump, Civil Action No. 25-10677 (MJJ) (D. Mass.), and proposing next steps for how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on June 16, 2025. (lcjd)
	June 16, 2025	Order
70	July 7, 2025	Joint STATUS REPORT by LINDA MCMAHON, CRAIG TRAINOR, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Rosenberg, Brad) (Entered: 07/07/2025)	RECAP
	July 8, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' 70 Joint Status Report, this case will remain STAYED pending further order of the Court. The parties shall file a joint status report on or before August 4, 2025, updating the Court on the status of the appeals in the State of New York v. McMahon, Civil Action No. 25-10601 (MJJ) (D. Mass.) and Victim Rights Law Center v. Department of Education, Civil Action No. 25-11042 (MJJ) (D. Mass.), and proposing next steps for how this case should proceed. Signed by Judge Paul L. Friedman on July 8, 2025. (lcjd)
	July 8, 2025	Order

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Education

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 14, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, parents, and minors.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

National Center for Youth Law

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Department of Education

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Equal Protection

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-00744

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

LGBTQ+:

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Carter v. United States Department of Education, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/46223/ (last updated 9/22/2025).