Case: American Association of Physics Teachers v. National Science Foundation

1:25-cv-01923 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: June 18, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged the Trump Administration’s termination of over $1 billion in previously awarded scientific grants for projects that sought to expand participation of women and underrepresented groups in STEM—as mandated by Congress. These grants were administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), created by Congress in 1950; NSF funding has since played a part in many epochal advancements of human knowledge, from MRI technology to fiber optics to the internet itself. NSF has also sponsored nearly 300 Nobel laureates. Under the Trump Administration, NSF terminated grants en masse and without alleging any wrongdoing on the part of grant recipients; terminations were justified with the boilerplate assertion that they “no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.” Plaintiffs alleged that the grant terminations thus violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the separation of powers, the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, and the Due Process Clause.

Represented by Democracy Forward and the Norton Law Firm, plaintiffs, several educational and labor organizations, filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on June 18, 2025. The lawsuit named the NSF and its Director as defendants. Plaintiffs sought a declaration that the Trump Administration’s mass grant terminations were unlawful; a preliminary and permanent injunction barring the NSF from continuing to terminate grants and withhold grant funding; an order mandating NSF “timely process award applications using lawful criteria”; and attorneys’ fees. The case was assigned to Judge Jia Michelle Cobb.

On June 23, 2025, plaintiffs filed a motion requesting a preliminary injunction. Defendants filed their response opposing a preliminary injunction on July 11, 2025, combined with a motion to dismiss the case.

Judge Cobb held a motion hearing regarding the preliminary injunction on August 7, 2025. On September 10, she issued an opinion and order denying plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction. She concluded that plaintiffs' retrospective APA claims likely belong in the Court of Federal Claims. Moreover, Judge Cobb determined that plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm to justify a preliminary injunction on their prospective APA claims and that they did not establish a likelihood to succeed on their constitutional claims.

On December 1, 2025, the court granted the defendants’ motion to waive Local Civil Rule 7(n)’s administrative-record filing requirement, determining that the record was unnecessary to decide the pending preliminary injunction and motion to dismiss, and therefore deferring the requirement until after the motion to dismiss is resolved.

This case remains ongoing.

Summary Authors

Matt Petrillo (7/16/2025)

Nicole Brigstock (12/17/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70576237/parties/american-association-of-physics-teachers-inc-v-national-science/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bressler, Steven Y. (District of Columbia)

Hoshijima, Tsuki (District of Columbia)

Kirk, Emily (District of Columbia)

Purcell, Celine G. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bressler, Steven Y. (District of Columbia)

Hoshijima, Tsuki (District of Columbia)

Kirk, Emily (District of Columbia)

Purcell, Celine G. (District of Columbia)

Walker, Nathan (District of Columbia)

Walton, Gilbert Gordon (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:25-cv-01923	Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	June 18, 2025	June 18, 2025 Complaint
35 1:25-cv-01923	Memorandum Opinion American Association of Physics Teachers, Inc et al. v. National Science Foundation et al.	Sept. 10, 2025	Sept. 10, 2025 Order/Opinion 2025 WL 2615054

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Resources

Resources related to this case
Title	Description		External URL Date / External URL
EO 14151 - Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing President Donald Trump	Directing the Office of Management and Budget to coordinate the termination of all diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) programs in the federal government.	Jan. 20, 2025	Jan. 20, 2025 https://www.federalregister.gov/...

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70576237/american-association-of-physics-teachers-inc-v-national-science/

Last updated Sept. 7, 2026, 3:56 a.m.

Docket for: AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC. v. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	June 18, 2025	COMPLAINT against NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11764730) filed by WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 06/18/2025) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Summons View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER 5 Summons View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	June 20, 2025	ERRATA of the Complaint by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK re 1 Complaint,,. (Attachments: # 1 Complaint)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 06/20/2025) 1 Complaint View on RECAP	RECAP
	June 20, 2025	NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR regarding 1 Complaint,,. The following error(s) need correction: Noncompliance with LCvR 5.1(c). Please file a Notice of Errata stating the error and attach the corrected initiating pleading to include the name & full residence address of each party and file using the event Errata. COMPLIANCE DEADLINE is by close of business today. This case will not proceed any further until all errors are satisfied. (znmw)
	June 20, 2025	Notice of Error- New Case
3	June 23, 2025	MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Declaration of Rochelle L. Williams, # 4 Declaration of Beth A. Cunningham, # 5 Declaration of Kelly Mack, # 6 Declaration of Scott W. Delaney, # 7 Declaration of Neal Sweeney, # 8 Declaration of Gina Quan, # 9 Declaration of Scott Franklin, # 10 Declaration of Elizabeth Litzler, # 11 Declaration of Todd Wolfson, # 12 Declaration of Felice J. Levine, # 13 Declaration of Anne-Marie Nunez, # 14 Declaration of Megan Bang, # 15 Declaration of James Adams, # 16 Declaration of Dr. Charles Thompson, # 17 Declaration of Marianna Zhang)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 06/23/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support View on PACER 2 Proposed Order View on PACER 3 Declaration of Rochelle L. Williams View on PACER 4 Declaration of Beth A. Cunningham View on PACER 5 Declaration of Kelly Mack View on PACER 6 Declaration of Scott W. Delaney View on PACER 7 Declaration of Neal Sweeney View on PACER 8 Declaration of Gina Quan View on PACER 9 Declaration of Scott Franklin View on PACER 10 Declaration of Elizabeth Litzler View on PACER 11 Declaration of Todd Wolfson View on PACER 12 Declaration of Felice J. Levine View on PACER 13 Declaration of Anne-Marie Nunez View on PACER 14 Declaration of Megan Bang View on PACER 15 Declaration of James Adams View on PACER 16 Declaration of Dr. Charles Thompson View on PACER 17 Declaration of Marianna Zhang View on PACER	RECAP
4	June 24, 2025	SUMMONS (4) Issued Electronically as to NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 06/24/2025)	RECAP
4	June 24, 2025	SUMMONS (4) Issued Electronically as to NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 06/24/2025)	RECAP
	June 24, 2025	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	June 24, 2025	Case Assigned to Judge Jia M. Cobb. (znmw)
	June 24, 2025	Case Assigned/Reassigned
	June 24, 2025	Case Assigned to Judge Jia M. Cobb. (znmw)
5	June 25, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Tsuki Hoshijima, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11775810. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 06/25/2025)	RECAP
6	June 25, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Nathan Walker, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11775825. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 06/25/2025)	RECAP
	June 30, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	June 30, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Tsuki Hoshijima is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. 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 Jia M. Cobb on June 30, 2025. (lcjmc1)
	June 30, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 6 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Nathan Walker is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. 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 Jia M. Cobb on June 30, 2025. (lcjmc1)
7	July 1, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION served on 6/27/2025 (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/01/2025)	RECAP
8	July 1, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. BRIAN STONE served on 6/27/2025 (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/01/2025)	RECAP
9	July 1, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 6/30/2025. (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/01/2025)	RECAP
10	July 1, 2025	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 6/30/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 8/29/2025. (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/01/2025)	RECAP
11	July 1, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Dimitar Georgiev-Remmel on behalf of NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/01/2025)	RECAP
12	July 2, 2025	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 3 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/02/2025)	RECAP
	July 2, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines
	July 2, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 12 Consent Motion for Extension of Time: Having considered the consent motion, and for good cause shown, the Court GRANTS the motion. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall respond to 3 Plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction by July 11, 2025. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on July 2, 2025. (lcjmc1)
13	July 3, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Nathan Walker on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Walker, Nathan) (Main Document 13 replaced on 7/8/2025) (zdp). (Entered: 07/03/2025)	RECAP
14	July 8, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Tsuki Hoshijima on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hoshijima, Tsuki) (Entered: 07/08/2025)	RECAP
15	July 11, 2025	MOTION to Dismiss by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/11/2025) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
16	July 11, 2025	Memorandum in opposition to re 3 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/11/2025) 1 Exhibit View on RECAP	RECAP
17	July 14, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Emily Catherine Kirk, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11815085. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/14/2025)	RECAP
18	July 14, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Celine Georges Purcell, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11815094. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/14/2025)	RECAP
	July 14, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	July 14, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 17 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Emily Catherine Kirk is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. 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 Jia M. Cobb on July 14, 2025. (lcjmc2)
	July 14, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 18 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Celine Georges Purcell is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. 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 Jia M. Cobb on July 14, 2025. (lcjmc2)
19	July 15, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Emily Kirk on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Kirk, Emily) (Main Document 19 replaced on 7/15/2025) (zdp). (Entered: 07/15/2025)	RECAP
20	July 15, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Celine G. Purcell on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Purcell, Celine) (Main Document 20 replaced on 7/15/2025) (zdp). (Entered: 07/15/2025)	RECAP
21	July 16, 2025	Memorandum in opposition to re 15 MOTION to Dismiss filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/16/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
22	July 16, 2025	REPLY to opposition to motion re 3 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,, filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/16/2025)	RECAP
23	July 21, 2025	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 15 MOTION to Dismiss by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/21/2025)	RECAP
	July 23, 2025	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines
	July 23, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 23 Unopposed Motion for Extension: Having considered the unopposed motion, and for good cause shown, the Court GRANTS the motion. It is further ORDERED that Defendants shall file their reply in support of 15 their motion to dismiss by July 25, 2025. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on July 23, 2025. (lcjmc1)
24	July 24, 2025	NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Authority)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/24/2025) 1 Supplemental Authority View on RECAP	RECAP
25	July 25, 2025	REPLY to opposition to motion re 15 Motion to Dismiss filed by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 07/25/2025) 1 Declaration View on RECAP	RECAP
	July 29, 2025	Notice of Hearing
	July 29, 2025	NOTICE of Hearing: Motion Hearing set for 8/7/2025 at 1:00 PM in Courtroom 3- In Person before Judge Jia M. Cobb. (zcll)
26	July 31, 2025	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Gilbert Gordon Walton, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11855271. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 07/31/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 1, 2025	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice
	Aug. 1, 2025	MINUTE ORDER granting 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice: Attorney Gilbert Gordon Walton is hereby admitted pro hac vice to appear in this matter. 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 Jia M. Cobb on August 1, 2025. (lcjmc2)
27	Aug. 5, 2025	NOTICE of Appearance by Gilbert Gordon Walton on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Walton, Gilbert) (Main Document 27 replaced on 8/6/2025) (zdp). (Entered: 08/05/2025)	RECAP
28	Aug. 5, 2025	MOTION for Order to Relieve Defendants From Local Civil Rule 7(n) by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/05/2025)	RECAP
	Aug. 5, 2025	~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines
	Aug. 5, 2025	MINUTE ORDER: Under Local Civil Rule 7(n), Defendants were required to file a certified list of the contents of the administrative record with the Court simultaneously with the filing of their dispositive motion on July 11, 2025. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 7(n), the Court ORDERS that Defendants file with the Court either a certified list of the contents of the administrative record or a motion for relief from Local Civil Rule 7(n) by August 7, 2025. If Defendants file a motion for relief, Plaintiffs are ORDERED to file their response by August 14, 2025. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on August 5, 2025. (lcjmc2)
	Aug. 7, 2025	Motion Hearing
	Aug. 7, 2025	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Jia M. Cobb: Motion Hearing held on 8/7/2025 re 3 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC. The Court takes the matter under advisement. (Court Reporter Stacy Johns.) (zcll)
29	Aug. 13, 2025	Memorandum in opposition to re 28 MOTION for Order to Relieve Defendants From Local Civil Rule 7(n) filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 08/13/2025) 1 Proposed Order View on RECAP	RECAP
30	Aug. 13, 2025	NOTICE of Recent Factual Development by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK re 3 Motion for Preliminary Injunction,,,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Notice from National Science Foundation denying plaintiff's administrative appeal of grant termination)(Bressler, Steven) (Entered: 08/13/2025) 1 Exhibit Notice from National Science Foundation denying plaintiff's adminis View on RECAP	RECAP
31	Aug. 13, 2025	REPLY to opposition to motion re 28 Motion for Order filed by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/13/2025)	RECAP
32	Aug. 18, 2025	NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/18/2025) 1 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
33	Aug. 25, 2025	NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/25/2025) 1 Exhibit View on PACER	RECAP
34	Aug. 27, 2025	RESPONSE re 33 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Hoshijima, Tsuki) (Entered: 08/27/2025)	RECAP
35	Sept. 10, 2025	MEMORANDUM OPINION re 3 Motion for Preliminary Injunction: See document for details. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on September 10, 2025. (lcjmc2)	Clearinghouse
36	Sept. 10, 2025	ORDER denying 3 Motion for Preliminary Injunction: See document for details. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on September 10, 2025. (lcjmc2) (Entered: 09/10/2025)	RECAP
37	Nov. 25, 2025	NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK (Attachments: # 1 Make the Road v. Noem (D.C. Cir.))(Hoshijima, Tsuki) (Entered: 11/25/2025) 1 Make the Road v. Noem (D.C. Cir.) View on PACER	RECAP
	Dec. 1, 2025	Order on Motion for Order
	Dec. 1, 2025	MINUTE ORDER re 28 Motion for Order to Relieve Defendants from Local Civil Rule 7(n): Defendants' motion for relief from Local Civil Rule 7(n)(1)'s requirement to file a certified list of the contents of the administrative record is GRANTED. While Plaintiffs have opposed the motion and argued that delay in compiling the administrative record would delay the movement of their claims to final judgment, Plaintiffs acknowledged that the Court can address their 3 motion for preliminary injunction and Defendants' 15 motion to dismiss without the administrative record. ECF 29 at 1–2. In a prior opinion, the Court resolved dispositive legal issues in denying Plaintiffs' 3 preliminary relief motion, ECF 35, without any need for the administrative record. The Court similarly does not need the record to address Defendants' 15 pending motion to dismiss. Accordingly, the Court will waive the requirements of Local Civil Rule 7(n) until after Defendants' 15 motion to dismiss is resolved. Connecticut v. U.S. Dept of the Interior, 344 F. Supp. 3d 279, 294 (D.D.C. 2018) (granting Defendants' motion to waive compliance with Local Civil Rule 7(n) because "the Court need not consider the administrative record in evaluating the motions before it"). Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on December 1, 2025. (lcjmc2)
38	March 25, 2026	ORDER granting in part and denying in part 15 Motion to Dismiss: See document for details. The Parties are ORDERED to file a joint status report by April 24, 2026. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on March 25, 2026. (lcjmc2) (Entered: 03/25/2026)	RECAP
39	April 22, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Gregory Martin Cumming on behalf of AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK (Cumming, Gregory) (Entered: 04/22/2026)	RECAP
40	April 23, 2026	Joint STATUS REPORT in response to March 25, 2026 order by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Hoshijima, Tsuki) (Entered: 04/23/2026)	RECAP
	May 7, 2026	Minute Order re 40 Joint Status Report: It is hereby ORDERED that the following briefing schedule will govern this case: (1) The administrative record shall be due on or before June 18, 2026; (2) Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment shall be due on or before July 16, 2026; (3) Defendants' combined opposition and cross-motion for summary judgment shall be due on or before August 13, 2026; (4) Plaintiffs' reply and cross-opposition shall be due on or before August 27, 2026; (5) Defendants' reply shall be due on or before September 10, 2026; and (6) the joint appendix shall be due on or before September 24, 2026. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on May 7, 2026. (lcjmc2)
	May 7, 2026	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines
41	June 17, 2026	ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Administrative Record Index, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Administrative Record)(Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 06/17/2026)	RECAP
42	July 8, 2026	Consent MOTION to Modify Briefing Schedule by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Cumming, Gregory) (Entered: 07/08/2026)	RECAP
	July 9, 2026	MINUTE ORDER granting 42 Motion to Modify: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' consent motion to modify the briefing schedule, and for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that the briefing schedule set out in the May 7, 2026 Minute Order is modified as follows: (1) Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment shall be due on or before July 23, 2026; (2) Defendants' combined opposition and cross-motion for summary judgment shall be due on or before August 20, 2026; (3) Plaintiffs' reply and cross-opposition shall be due on or before September 3, 2026; (4) Defendants' reply shall be due on or before September 17, 2026; and (5) the joint appendix shall be due on or before October 1, 2026. Signed by Judge Jia M. Cobb on July 9, 2026. (lcjmc2)
	July 9, 2026	Order on Motion to Modify AND Set/Reset Deadlines
43	July 23, 2026	MOTION for Summary Judgment by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Declaration, # 4 Declaration, # 5 Declaration, # 6 Declaration, # 7 Declaration, # 8 Declaration, # 9 Declaration, # 10 Declaration, # 11 Declaration, # 12 Declaration)(Talmor, Kate) (Entered: 07/23/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP 3 Declaration View on RECAP 4 Declaration View on RECAP 5 Declaration View on RECAP 6 Declaration View on RECAP 7 Declaration View on RECAP 8 Declaration View on RECAP 9 Declaration View on RECAP 10 Declaration View on RECAP 11 Declaration View on RECAP 12 Declaration View on RECAP	RECAP
44	July 24, 2026	ERRATA Providing Additional Declaration by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK re 43 Motion for Summary Judgment,,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration)(Talmor, Kate) (Entered: 07/24/2026) 1 Declaration View on RECAP	RECAP
45	Aug. 20, 2026	MOTION to Strike 44 Errata, 43 MOTION for Summary Judgment Exhibits by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
46	Aug. 20, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 43 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
47	Aug. 20, 2026	Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment by NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION, BRIAN STONE. (Georgiev-Remmel, Dimitar) (Entered: 08/20/2026)	RECAP
48	Sept. 3, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 47 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Corrected Declaration)(Talmor, Kate) (Entered: 09/03/2026) 1 Declaration Corrected Declaration View on PACER	RECAP
49	Sept. 3, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 43 Motion for Summary Judgment,, filed by AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICS TEACHERS, INC., AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS, AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC., INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE, AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, WOMEN IN ENGINEERING PROACTIVE NETWORK. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Corrected Declaration)(Talmor, Kate) (Entered: 09/03/2026) 1 Declaration Corrected Declaration View on PACER	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 18, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Several educational and labor organizations

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

National Science Foundation

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

Separation of Powers

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-01923

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Funding

Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority:

Impoundment (mandatory spending)

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of American Association of Physics Teachers v. National Science Foundation, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/46728/ (last updated 12/17/2025).