Case: Scott v. Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

0:25-cv-03347 | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Filed Date: Aug. 22, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary while we research the case]. This case is a challenge brought by pharmacists who had religious objections to dispensing medical interventions to facilitate gender transitions. The plaintiffs alleged that their employer forced them to dispense gender-affirming medications or reduced their hours. Plaintiffs alleged such behavior was a violation of their right to religious accommodations under federal and Minnesota law. 

Summary Authors

Ana Lopez (2/6/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71189183/parties/scott-v-minnesota-board-of-pharmacy-the/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Diehl, Samuel W (Minnesota)

Attorney for Defendant

DeMeules, Madeleine (Minnesota)

Douglas, Bruce J (Minnesota)

Hall, Christy L (Minnesota)

Hartney, Tyler Walter (Minnesota)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

0:25-cv-03347

Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Sought; Jury Trial Demanded

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71189183/scott-v-minnesota-board-of-pharmacy-the/

Last updated Feb. 5, 2026, 6:56 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against All Defendants (filing fee $ 405, receipt number AMNDC-12184404) filed by Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott. Filer requests summons issued. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s), # 2 Civil Cover Sheet) (Nelson, Nicholas) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

1 Exhibit(s)

View on RECAP

2 Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

(Text-Only) CLERK'S NOTICE OF INITIAL CASE ASSIGNMENT. Case assigned to Judge Katherine M. Menendez per Civil (3rd, 4th - Civil Rights) list, referred to Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. Please use case number 25-cv-3347 KMM/DJF.Notice: All Nongovernmental Corporate Parties must file a Rule 7.1 Corporate Disclosure Statement. (ACH) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

3

Summons Issued as to James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier. (ACH) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

4

Summons Issued as to Barbara Droher Kline, Brandon Ordway, Walgreen, Co.. (ACH) (Entered: 08/25/2025)

Aug. 25, 2025

Aug. 25, 2025

5

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott. James Bialke served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Michael Haag served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Barbara Droher Kline served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Ben Maisenbach served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Kendra Metz served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Brandon Ordway served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Amy Paradis served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Aaron Patterson served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Jill Phillips served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; Walgreen, Co. served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025; John M. Zwier served on 8/26/2025, answer due 9/16/2025. (Howell, Alexandra) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

6

NOTICE of Appearance by Madeleine DeMeules on behalf of James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Barbara Droher Kline, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Brandon Ordway, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier. (DeMeules, Madeleine) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

7

NOTICE of Appearance by Christy L Hall on behalf of James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Barbara Droher Kline, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Brandon Ordway, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier. (Hall, Christy) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

8

NOTICE of Appearance by Bruce J Douglas on behalf of Walgreen, Co.. (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 09/09/2025)

Sept. 9, 2025

Sept. 9, 2025

9

STIPULATION for Extension of Time for All Defendants to Answer, Move, or Otherwise Plead to the Complaint by Walgreen, Co.. Jointly Signed by RACHEL SCOTT, DORA IG-IZEVBEKHAI, THE MINNESOTA BOARD OF PHARMACY, JILL PHILLIPS, AARON PATTER, RONDA MARIE CHAKOLISHASSAN, KENDRA METZ, JAMES BIALKE, AMY PARADIS, BEN MAISENBACH, MICHAEL HAAG, JOHN M. ZWIER, and BARBARA DROHER KLINE, BRANDON ORDWAY. (Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

10

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 9 Stipulation,. (Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

11

(Text-Only) ORDER: Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b) and for good cause shown, the Court APPROVES the parties' Stipulation for Extension of Time for All Defendants to Answer, Move, Or Otherwise Plead to the Complaint 9 . Defendants shall answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before October 10, 2025. Ordered by Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 9/15/2025. (DCC) (Entered: 09/15/2025)

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

Order on Stipulation

Sept. 15, 2025

Sept. 15, 2025

12

RULE 7.1 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. Parent corporation, publicly held corporation or wholly-owned subsidiary reported for Walgreen, Co.. (Douglas, Bruce) Modified text on 10/15/2025 (ABR). (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

13

MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

RECAP
14

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General : Motion Hearing set for 12/2/2025 at 01:00 PM in Courtroom 14W (MPLS) before Judge Katherine M. Menendez. (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

15

MEMORANDUM in Support re 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co..(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

RECAP
16

LR7.1/LR72.2 WORD COUNT COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE by Walgreen, Co. re 15 Memorandum in Support of Motion. (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

17

Declaration of Tyler W. Hartney in Support of 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co..(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

18

SEALED EXHIBIT re 17 Declaration in Support filed by Bruce J. Douglas.(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

19

STATEMENT INSTEAD OF REDACTED DOCUMENT: Entire Document Confidential for 18 Sealed Document(s) - filed by Walgreen, Co..(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

20

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by Walgreen, Co. re 18 Exhibit SEALED (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

21

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 13 Motion to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co..(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

22

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co..(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

23

ANSWER to Complaint filed by James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Barbara Droher Kline, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Brandon Ordway, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier. (Hall, Christy) (Entered: 10/10/2025)

Oct. 10, 2025

Oct. 10, 2025

24

ORDER SETTING PRETRIAL SCHEDULING CONFERENCE: Rule 26 Meeting Report and Confidential Letters due by 11/6/2025. Pretrial Scheduling Conference set for 11/13/2025 at 11:00 AM by Zoom video (no courtroom) before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster. Signed by Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 10/14/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Rule 26(f) Report Template, # 2 Consent Form)(LNP) (Entered: 10/14/2025)

Oct. 14, 2025

Oct. 14, 2025

25

RESPONSE in Opposition re 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Nelson, Nicholas) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

26

NOTICE of Appearance by Charles Robbins on behalf of Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott. (Robbins, Charles) (Entered: 10/28/2025)

Oct. 28, 2025

Oct. 28, 2025

27

MOTION to Sever filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

28

NOTICE OF HEARING ON MOTION 27 MOTION to Sever : Date and time to be determined. (Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

29

MEMORANDUM in Support re 27 MOTION to Sever filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

30

MEET and CONFER STATEMENT re 27 Motion to Sever filed by Walgreen, Co..(Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

31

PROPOSED ORDER TO JUDGE re 27 MOTION to Sever filed by Walgreen, Co..(Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

32

Reply to Response to Motion re 13 MOTION to Dismiss/General filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 10/30/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

33

LETTER TO DISTRICT JUDGE by Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott . (Robbins, Charles) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

34

RESPONSE in Opposition re 27 MOTION to Sever filed by James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Barbara Droher Kline, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Brandon Ordway, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(DeMeules, Madeleine) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

35

RESPONSE in Opposition re 27 MOTION to Sever filed by Dora Ig-Izevbekhai, Rachel Scott. (Attachments: # 1 LR7.1/LR72.2 Word Count Compliance Certificate)(Howell, Alexandra) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

36

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. Filed by Walgreen, Co.. Jointly Signed by by RACHEL SCOTT, DORA IG-IZEVBEKHAI, THE MINNESOTA BOARD OF PHARMACY, JILL PHILLIPS, AARON PATTER, RONDA MARIE CHAKOLISHASSAN, KENDRA METZ, JAMES BIALKE, AMY PARADIS, BEN MAISENBACH, MICHAEL HAAG, JOHN M. ZWIER, and BARBARA DROHER KLINE, BRANDON ORDWAY.(Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

37

(Text-Only) ORDER in Response to 33 Letter to District Judge. Within 7 days of this Order, Defendants shall file a response to 33 Plaintiffs' Letter requesting permission to file an early motion for partial summary judgment. The Court will rule on the request based on the submissions, without additional briefing unless specifically requested. Ordered by Judge Katherine M. Menendez on 11/6/2025. (EP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

38

EXHIBIT A re 36 Report of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting, filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Hartney, Tyler) Modified text on 11/7/2025 (ABR). (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

Order in Response to Letter/Request/E-mail

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

39

(Text-Only) MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 11/13/2025: Pretrial Scheduling Conference.Digital RecordingMinneapolis Courthouse, Courtroom Video ConferenceTime: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AMTotal Time: 30 MinutesAPPEARANCES:For Plaintiffs: Alexandra Howell, Charles Brent RobbinsFor Defendant Walgreen Co.: Tyler Walter HartneyFor Defendants The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, Jill Phillips, Aaron Patterson, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Kendra Metz, James Bialke, Amy Paradis, Ben Maisenbach, Michael Haag, John M. Zwier, Barbara Droher Kline, Brandon Ordway: Christy L. Hall, Madeleine DeMeules PROCEEDINGS: Discussion of Pretrial Deadlines and Settlement. Pretrial Scheduling Order to be issued. (LNP) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

40

PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER: Amended Pleadings due by 4/1/2026. Fact Discovery due by 10/15/2026. Expert Discovery due by 10/15/2026. Joinder of Parties due by 1/13/2026. Motions (non-disp) due 10/15/2026. Motions (disp) due by 12/15/2026. Ready for trial due by 2/16/2027.Counsel are directed to meet and confer regarding settlement on or before February 13, 2026. Following the meet-and-confer, each party must submit a 1-2 page confidential letter describing the settlement discussions that have taken place, whether and when the party believes a settlement conference or private mediation might be most productive, and what additional discovery or motion practice might be needed to maximize the chances of reaching a settlement in such a conference. Each party's confidential letter must be submitted by email to Judge Foster at Foster_Chambers@mnd.uscourts.gov by February 20, 2026. Signed by Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 11/13/2025. (Attachments: # 1 E-Discovery Checklist, # 2 Judge Foster's Practice Pointers)(LNP) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

41

LETTER TO DISTRICT JUDGE by Walgreen, Co. Response to Plaintiffs' Request to File an Early Motion for Summary Judgment. (Douglas, Bruce) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

42

LETTER TO DISTRICT JUDGE by James Bialke, Ronda Marie Chakolis-Hassan, Michael Haag, Barbara Droher Kline, Ben Maisenbach, Kendra Metz, Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, The, Brandon Ordway, Amy Paradis, Aaron Patterson, Jill Phillips, John M. Zwier . (Hall, Christy) (Entered: 11/13/2025)

Nov. 13, 2025

Nov. 13, 2025

43

(Text-Only) ORDER/NOTICE. The parties should be advised that, in addition to Defendant Walgreens's Motion to Dismiss (ECF 13) and Motion to Sever (ECF 27), the Court will address Plaintiffs' request for early summary judgment (ECF 33) at the hearing scheduled for December 2, 2025. Ordered by Judge Katherine M. Menendez on 11/20/2025. (ED) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

Order/Notice to Attorney

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

44

JOINT MOTION REGARDING CONTINUED SEALING re 18 Exhibit filed by Walgreen, Co.. (Hartney, Tyler) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

45

(Text-Only) ORDER: The Court GRANTS Plaintiffs and Defendant Walgreen, Co.'s unopposed Joint Motion Regarding Continued Sealing 44 because the parties' interest in maintaining the confidentiality of their settlement agreement 18 currently outweighs the public's right of access to it. The Clerk of Court is directed to keep ECF No. 18 under seal. However, this Order should not be construed as precluding the District Judge from publishing of any part of ECF No. 18 later, if it becomes material to the District Judge's decision resolving Walgreens' pending Motion to Dismiss (ECF No. 13 ). Ordered by Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 12/2/2025. (DCC) (Entered: 12/02/2025)

Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

46

(Text-Only) MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge Katherine M. Menendez on 12/2/2025: Oral Arguments Motion Hearing.Court Reporter: Paula RichterMinneapolis Courthouse, Courtroom 14WTime: 1:05 p.m.1:48 p.m.Total Time: 43 minutesAPPEARANCES:For Plaintiff(s): Charles Robbins; Alexandra HowellFor State Defendants: Christy Hall; Madeleine DeMeules For Defendant Walgreens: Bruce Douglas; Paola Maldonado; Tyler HartneyOther Appearance(s): Nathaly Montelongo PROCEEDINGS:The Court heard oral argument on two motions and a request (Defendant Walgreens's Motion to Dismiss 13 and Motion to Sever 27, and Plaintiffs' Request to File Early Summary Judgment 33 ). For the reasons stated on the record, the Court denied both motions and the request from the bench. The Court advised counsel that if the parties could reach agreement on timing and scope of a single-issue, early summary judgment motion, the Court would entertain a renewed request. (ED) (Entered: 12/02/2025)

Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

Order on Joint Motion Regarding Continued Sealing

Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

Order on Motion to Dismiss/General AND Order on Motion to Sever

Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

Order on Stipulation

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

53

PROTECTIVE ORDER (Written Opinion) Signed by Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster on 1/14/2026. (DCC)

Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory:

Minnesota

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Key Dates

Filing Date: Aug. 22, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are pharmacists Dora Ig-Izevbakhai and Rachel Scott, both residents of Minnesota.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Walgreen Co. (Illinois), Private Entity/Person

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy (Ramsey), State

Defendant Type(s):

Retailer

Sanitation/Public Works

Facility Type(s):

Non-government for-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Other Dockets:

District of Minnesota 0:25-cv-03347

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Affected Religion(s):

Christianity

Other/Unspecified

LGBTQ+:

Transgender