Case: Doe A v. Spahn

1:23-cv-02859 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Sept. 26, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This class action lawsuit challenges the Peace Corps acceptance guidelines and processes in regards to volunteers with disabilities and mental illness diagnoses in particular under the Rehabilitation Act. On September 26, 2023, plaintiffs—attempted Peace Corps Volunteers who were denied positions in the program—brought this class action suit against the director of the Peace Corps. Plaintiffs alleged that the Peace Corps Volunteers improperly denied them medical clearance and acceptance into th…

On September 26, 2023, plaintiffs—attempted Peace Corps Volunteers who were denied positions in the program—brought this class action suit against the director of the Peace Corps. Plaintiffs alleged that the Peace Corps Volunteers improperly denied them medical clearance and acceptance into the volunteer program, particularly positions abroad, based on their actual or perceived disabilities, including but not limited to Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. The plaintiffs alleged that the Peace Corps’s rescindal of their volunteer positions upon learning of their disabilities violated Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. They also alleged that the Peace Corps’ overarching guidelines for selecting volunteers were discriminatory and contributed to unfair denials. Plaintiffs asserted that they brought suit on behalf of all qualified individuals with disabilities protected under this Act, or Peace Corps Invitees who were denied volunteer positions on the basis of their disabilities from September 2022 through the resolution of this case. The plaintiffs claimed to have exhausted all possible administrative remedies through the Peace Corps before bringing this suit. The case is now before Judge Carl J. Nichols in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Plaintiffs are claimed relief for violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on behalf of themselves and the proposed class. The Peace Corps is subject to this federal act because it is an agency which falls under the executive branch and is federally funded. They asked for declaratory relief (admittance that the Peace Corps actions violate the Rehabilitation Act), injunctive relief (to ensure future compliance, including policy changes and staff trainings), reinstatements/position reconsiderations for all plaintiffs, attorney’s fees and legal costs, and other further relief the court deemed appropriate.

Plaintiffs amended their complaint on May 3, 2024, to include the allegations and experiences of several newly incorporated plaintiffs who filed similar claims to the original plaintiffs regarding denial from the program after informing the Peace Corps of their disabilities and mental health states. The amended complaint also added three new claims for relief: for violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 551 because of disability discrimination, for further violation of the APA based on the substantive and de facto rules used by the Peace Corps, and for violation of the APA on the grounds that the Peace Corps unlawfully delayed or withheld issuance of decisions to plaintiffs. The prayer for relief remained substantively the same with the addition of asking the court to compel the Peace Corps to promptly issue FADs (Final Agency Decisions) for the named plaintiffs.

On July 12, 2024, the defendant moved to dismiss this amended complaint. Defendant asserted that the claims made by plaintiffs were moot because the Peace Corps Volunteer program no longer exists. They also asserted that the plaintiff’s failed exhaust administrative remedies, that they failed to state a claim under the Rehabilitation Act (because it does not provide for a private right of action), that the challenge to the Peace Corps’ screening guidelines failed to state a claim (because the guidelines were not a legislative rule and thus not subject to legal action in this way), and that plaintiff’s claim for unreasonable delay failed to state a claim (because the time frame is discretionary). Broadly, defendants argued that the plaintiff’s claims were too broad and failed to identify discrete actions upon which relief could be granted.

On May 6, 2025, the judge granted in part and dismissed in part this motion. On the question of mootness, the court ruled that the plaintiff’s claim was not moot because a similar program was launched by the Peace Corps after this Volunteer program was discontinued, and the programs are substantially similar enough for the claim to still attach. On the Rehabilitation Act claim, the judges were split but ultimately decided that there is no private right of action created by the Act, so this section of the motion to dismiss was granted. Plaintiff’s claim for relief under the Rehabilitation Act was dismissed. On the counts regarding the Peace Corps’ screening guidelines, they agreed with defendants that the guidelines are not legislative rules and do not bind reviewers to reach particular outcomes, so the guidelines themselves cannot be challenged. The court ruled that the plaintiffs can only sue for their individual denials, not for illegality of the agency’s guidelines as a whole. Motion to dismiss on this count was granted in part and denied in part.

On July 14, 2025, a request for mediation and referral to a magistrate judge was entered by the plaintiffs. The case was sent to Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh for mediation on August 11, 2025.

On August 15, 2025, a settlement conference between the parties was set for October 14, 2024.

show full summary

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (9/4/2025)

Ellie Morvatz (10/19/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67831453/parties/doe-a-v-spahn/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Burnim, Ira A. (District of Columbia)

Dutta, Anashua (District of Columbia)

McCallum, Elizabeth Brewster (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bailey, Clayton Louis (District of Columbia)

Marcus, Lisa Zeidner (District of Columbia)

Judge(s)

Nichols, Carl John (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Burnim, Ira A. (District of Columbia)

Dutta, Anashua (District of Columbia)

McCallum, Elizabeth Brewster (District of Columbia)

Schuller, Megan E. (District of Columbia)

Schwartz, Bryan Jeffrey (District of Columbia)

Sneitzer, Elizabeth Nathalie (District of Columbia)

Vasquez, Fabian Augusto (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Bailey, Clayton Louis (District of Columbia)

Marcus, Lisa Zeidner (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 1:23-cv-02859	Class Action Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Doe A et al. v. Spahn	Sept. 26, 2023	Sept. 26, 2023 Complaint
18 1:23-cv-02859	First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief	May 3, 2024	May 3, 2024 Complaint

show / hide documents

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67831453/doe-a-v-spahn/

Last updated Oct. 22, 2025, 10 p.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against CAROL SPAHN ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number ADCDC-10379338) filed by John Doe A, John Doe C, John Doe B. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/26/2023) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Summons View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER	Sept. 26, 2023	Sept. 26, 2023 Clearinghouse
2	SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by John Doe A, John Doe B, John Doe C (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.), SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by John Doe A, John Doe B, John Doe C (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/26/2023)	Sept. 26, 2023	Sept. 26, 2023
3	NOTICE of Appearance by Ira A. Burnim on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Burnim, Ira) (Entered: 09/28/2023)	Sept. 28, 2023	Sept. 28, 2023 RECAP
4	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Megan Schuller, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-10385151. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by John Doe A, John Doe B, John Doe C. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration for Admission Pro Hac Vice - Megan Schuller, # 2 Exhibit Megan Schuller Certificate of Good Standing In Support of Motion for Pro Hac Vice, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/28/2023)	Sept. 28, 2023	Sept. 28, 2023
5	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Anashua Dutta, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-10385280. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by John Doe A, John Doe B, John Doe C. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Anashua Dutta Certificate of Good Standing in Support of Motion for Pro Hac Vice, # 3 Certificate of Service)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/28/2023)	Sept. 28, 2023	Sept. 28, 2023
6	ERRATA by John Doe A, John Doe B, John Doe C re 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice,. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration for Admission Pro Hac Vice - Megan Schuller, # 2 Exhibit Megan Schuller Certificate of Good Standing In Support of Motion for Pro Hac Vice, # 3 Errata Notice of Errata re Docket Entry No. 4, # 4 Certificate of Service)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/28/2023)	Sept. 28, 2023	Sept. 28, 2023
7	MEMORANDUM OPINION and ORDER: The Court ORDERS that: (1) Plaintiffs' 2 Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonyms is GRANTED, subject to any further consideration by the United States District Judge to whom this case is randomly assigned; (2) All parties shall use the pseudonyms listed in the Complaint in all documents filed in this action; and (3) Within fourteen days of this Order, Plaintiffs shall file on the public docket a pseudonymous version of their 2 Motion and any attachments. Signed by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on 10/2/2023. (lcjeb4) (Entered: 10/02/2023)	Oct. 2, 2023	Oct. 2, 2023 RECAP
	Case Assigned/Reassigned	Oct. 2, 2023	Oct. 2, 2023
	Case Assigned to Judge Carl J. Nichols. (zsl)	Oct. 2, 2023	Oct. 2, 2023
	Notice of QC	Oct. 3, 2023	Oct. 3, 2023
	NOTICE OF ERROR re 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice; emailed to bryan@bryanschwartzlaw.com, cc'd 3 associated attorneys -- The PDF file you docketed contained errors: 1. Please note the following for future filings; do not refile document, 2. Future filings may be ENTERED IN ERROR, 3. Invalid attorney signature; signature on document must match PACER log in. (znmw, )	Oct. 3, 2023	Oct. 3, 2023
8	SUMMONS (3) Issued Electronically as to CAROL SPAHN, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachment: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zsl) (Entered: 10/05/2023)	Oct. 5, 2023	Oct. 5, 2023
9	STANDING ORDER. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 10/10/2023. (lccjn3) (Entered: 10/10/2023)	Oct. 10, 2023	Oct. 10, 2023
10	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 12/18/2023., RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 12/21/2023. ( Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 2/19/2024.), RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. CAROL SPAHN served on 12/18/2023 (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 12/22/2023)	Dec. 22, 2023	Dec. 22, 2023
11	NOTICE of Appearance by Clayton Louis Bailey on behalf of CAROL SPAHN (Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 02/13/2024)	Feb. 13, 2024	Feb. 13, 2024
12	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Complaint by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 02/13/2024)	Feb. 13, 2024	Feb. 13, 2024
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to AND Set/Reset Deadlines	Feb. 17, 2024	Feb. 17, 2024
	MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of Defendants 12 Consent Motion for An Extension of Time to Respond to Complaint, and with good cause being found, it is hereby ORDERED that the Motion is Granted. Defendant shall respond to Plaintiffs 1 Complaint on or before March 15, 2024. In the event that Defendant files a motion to dismiss, Plaintiffs shall file their opposition to that motion on or before May 3, 2024, and Defendant shall file a reply on or before May 24, 2024. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 2/17/2024. (lccjn3)	Feb. 17, 2024	Feb. 17, 2024
	Set/Reset Deadlines: Answer due by 3/15/2024. Response due by 5/3/2024. Reply due by 5/24/2024. (zcam)	Feb. 17, 2024	Feb. 17, 2024
	Set/Reset Deadlines	Feb. 20, 2024	Feb. 20, 2024
13	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Megan Schuller, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-10755667. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 03/14/2024)	March 14, 2024	March 14, 2024
14	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Anashua Dutta, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-10755694. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 03/14/2024)	March 14, 2024	March 14, 2024
15	NOTICE of Appearance by Lisa Zeidner Marcus on behalf of CAROL SPAHN (Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 03/15/2024)	March 15, 2024	March 15, 2024
16	MOTION to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Dismiss or Strike Plaintiffs' Class Allegations by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, Clayton). Added MOTION to Strike on 3/19/2024 (zdp). (Entered: 03/15/2024)	March 15, 2024	March 15, 2024
17	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File First Amended Complaint and Defendants Response Thereto by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 03/25/2024)	March 25, 2024	March 25, 2024
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to AND Set/Reset Deadlines	April 1, 2024	April 1, 2024
	MINUTE ORDER. Upon review of the Plaintiffs' 17 Consent Motion for Extension of Time, and considering that Defendant consents, it is hereby ORDERED that the Motion is GRANTED. Plaintiffs shall file their amended complaint on or before May 3, 2024. Defendant shall answer or otherwise respond to Plaintiffs' Amended Complaint on or before June 7, 2024. So Ordered by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 4/1/2024. (lccjn3)	April 1, 2024	April 1, 2024
18	AMENDED COMPLAINT Notice of Filing First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against CAROL SPAHN filed by JOHN DOE C, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE A, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E, JANE DOE B, JANE DOE C. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, # 2 Exhibit B - First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (Redline))(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 05/03/2024)	May 3, 2024	May 3, 2024 RECAP
19	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by JANE DOE A, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE B, JOHN DOE B, JANE DOE C, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 05/03/2024)	May 3, 2024	May 3, 2024
20	NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Brewster McCallum on behalf of JANE DOE A, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE B, JOHN DOE B, JANE DOE C, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E (McCallum, Elizabeth) (Entered: 05/08/2024)	May 8, 2024	May 8, 2024
21	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Amended Complaint by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 06/03/2024)	June 3, 2024	June 3, 2024
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to AND Set/Reset Deadlines	June 10, 2024	June 10, 2024
	MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of Defendant's 21 Motion for Extension of Time, it is hereby ORDERED that the Motion is GRANTED. Defendant shall file her response to Plaintiffs' amended complaint on or before July 12, 2024. Plaintiffs shall file their opposition to any motion to dismiss on or before September 6, 2024. Defendant shall her reply in support of a motion to dismiss on or before October 4, 2024. So Ordered by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 6/10/2024. (lccjn3)	June 10, 2024	June 10, 2024
	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice	June 24, 2024	June 24, 2024
	MINUTE ORDER. The Court having considered Plaintiffs' 4 Motion For Admission Pro Hac Vice of Megan Schuller and 5 Motion For Admission Pro Hac Vice of Anashua Dutta, and it appearing to the Court that the attorneys referenced therein meet the requirements for pro hac vice admission under Local Civil Rule 83.2(d), it is hereby ORDERED that the motions are GRANTED. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file notices of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a) Click for instructions. So Ordered by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 6/24/2024. (lccjn3)	June 24, 2024	June 24, 2024
22	MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 07/12/2024) 1 Exhibit View on PACER 2 Exhibit View on PACER 3 Exhibit View on PACER 4 Exhibit View on PACER 5 Exhibit View on PACER 6 Exhibit View on PACER 7 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	July 12, 2024	July 12, 2024 RECAP
23	Memorandum in opposition to re 22 Motion to Dismiss filed by JANE DOE A, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE B, JOHN DOE B, JANE DOE C, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 09/06/2024)	Sept. 6, 2024	Sept. 6, 2024
24	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 22 MOTION to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 09/27/2024)	Sept. 27, 2024	Sept. 27, 2024
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines	Sept. 30, 2024	Sept. 30, 2024
	MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of Defendant's 24 Motion to Extend Time to File Reply as to 22 Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. Defendants reply brief shall be due on October 18th, 2024. So ordered by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 09/30/2024 (lccjn3) (Entered: 09/30/2024)	Sept. 30, 2024	Sept. 30, 2024
25	REPLY to opposition to motion re 22 Motion to Dismiss filed by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Ex. 7, # 2 Ex. 8, # 3 Ex. 9, # 4 Ex. 10, # 5 Ex. 11)(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 10/18/2024) 1 Ex. 7 View on PACER 2 Ex. 8 View on PACER 3 Ex. 9 View on PACER 4 Ex. 10 View on PACER 5 Ex. 11 View on PACER	Oct. 18, 2024	Oct. 18, 2024
26	MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Evidence and Arguments First Raised in Defendant Peace Corps' Reply by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE A, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E, JANE DOE B, JANE DOE C. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiffs Proposed Surreply to Evidence and Arguments First Raised in Defendant Peace Corps' Reply)(Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 10/31/2024)	Oct. 31, 2024	Oct. 31, 2024
27	RESPONSE re 26 MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Evidence and Arguments First Raised in Defendant Peace Corps' Reply filed by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 11/14/2024)	Nov. 14, 2024	Nov. 14, 2024
28	REPLY re 27 Response to motion for Leave to File a Sur-Reply filed by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE A, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E, JANE DOE B, JANE DOE C. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 11/20/2024)	Nov. 20, 2024	Nov. 20, 2024
29	NOTICE of Suggestion of Partial Mootness by CAROL SPAHN (Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 12/18/2024)	Dec. 18, 2024	Dec. 18, 2024 RECAP
30	NOTICE of Plaintiffs' Responsive Suggestion of Mootness and Opposition to Defendant's Suggestion of Mootness by JOHN DOE A, JOHN DOE B, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE A, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E, JANE DOE B, JANE DOE C (McCallum, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/02/2025)	Jan. 2, 2025	Jan. 2, 2025
31	MINUTE ORDER: It is ORDERED that Plaintiffs' 26 Motion to File Surreply is GRANTED. ECF 26-1 shall be deemed filed. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 1/10/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 1/10/2025) (Entered: 01/10/2025)	Jan. 10, 2025	Jan. 10, 2025
	Order on Motion for Leave to File	Jan. 10, 2025	Jan. 10, 2025
	~Util - Set/Reset Hearings	Jan. 10, 2025	Jan. 10, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: The parties are ORDERED to appear for an in-person hearing regarding Defendant's 22 Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' First Amended Complaint at 12:30pm on 1/30/2025 in Courtroom 17. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 1/10/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 1/10/2025) Modified on 1/10/2025 to include Minute Order text (zcam).	Jan. 10, 2025	Jan. 10, 2025
32	NOTICE of Appearance by Anashua Dutta on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Dutta, Anashua) (Entered: 01/14/2025)	Jan. 14, 2025	Jan. 14, 2025
33	Unopposed MOTION to Continue Hearing by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 01/24/2025)	Jan. 24, 2025	Jan. 24, 2025
	Set/Reset Hearings	Jan. 27, 2025	Jan. 27, 2025
	Set/Reset Hearings: Motion Hearing reset for 2/26/2025 at 03:30 PM in Courtroom 17- In Person before Judge Carl J. Nichols. (zcam)	Jan. 27, 2025	Jan. 27, 2025
34	NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to CAROL SPAHN. Attorney Clayton Louis Bailey terminated. (Bailey, Clayton) (Entered: 02/05/2025)	Feb. 5, 2025	Feb. 5, 2025
	Order on Motion to Continue	Feb. 6, 2025	Feb. 6, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: It is ORDERED that Plaintiff's 33 Unopposed Motion to Continue Hearing is DENIED AS MOOT. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 2/6/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 2/6/2025)	Feb. 6, 2025	Feb. 6, 2025
35	NOTICE of Appearance by Megan E. Schuller on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Schuller, Megan) (Entered: 02/25/2025)	Feb. 25, 2025	Feb. 25, 2025
36	NOTICE of Appearance by Fabian Augusto Zetina Vasquez on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Zetina Vasquez, Fabian) (Entered: 02/26/2025)	Feb. 26, 2025	Feb. 26, 2025
37	NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth Nathalie Sneitzer on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Sneitzer, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/26/2025)	Feb. 26, 2025	Feb. 26, 2025
	Motion Hearing	Feb. 26, 2025	Feb. 26, 2025
	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Carl J. Nichols: Motion Hearing held on 2/26/2025 re 22 . Motion Taken Under Advisement. Further Opinion and Order to be issued by the Court. Court Reporter: Lorraine Herman. (zcam)	Feb. 26, 2025	Feb. 26, 2025
	Order on Motion to Dismiss AND Order on Motion to Strike AND Order on Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym	March 31, 2025	March 31, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: It is ORDERED that Defendant's 16 Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Dismiss or Strike Plaintiffs' Class Allegations is DENIED as moot. It is further ordered that Plaintiffs' 19 Motion to Proceed under Pseudonym is GRANTED. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 3/31/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 3/31/2025)	March 31, 2025	March 31, 2025
38	ORDER granting in part and denying in part 22 Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 5/6/2025. (lccjn3) (Entered: 05/06/2025)	May 6, 2025	May 6, 2025 RECAP
39	MEMORANDUM AND OPINION. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 5/6/2025. (lccjn3) (Entered: 05/06/2025)	May 6, 2025	May 6, 2025 RECAP
40	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 18 Amended Complaint, by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 05/16/2025)	May 16, 2025	May 16, 2025
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Set/Reset Deadlines	May 19, 2025	May 19, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: It is ORDERED that the government's 40 Unopposed Motion for Extension is GRANTED. The government shall file its answer to Plaintiffs' 18 Amended Complaint on or before 6/13/2025. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 5/19/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 5/19/2025)	May 19, 2025	May 19, 2025
41	ANSWER to 18 Amended Complaint, by CAROL SPAHN.(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 06/13/2025)	June 13, 2025	June 13, 2025 RECAP
42	Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File with the Court a Certified List of the Contents of the Administrative Records by CAROL SPAHN. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Marcus, Lisa) (Entered: 07/10/2025)	July 10, 2025	July 10, 2025
43	STIPULATION and Joint Request for Referral to Magistrate for Mediation and For Stay of All Deadlines Pending Mediation by JANE DOE A, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE B, JOHN DOE B, JANE DOE C, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E. (Schwartz, Bryan) (Entered: 07/14/2025)	July 14, 2025	July 14, 2025
44	MOTION for Mediation by JANE DOE A, JOHN DOE A, JANE DOE B, JOHN DOE B, JANE DOE C, JOHN DOE C, JANE DOE D, JANE DOE E. (See docket entry 43 to view document) (zdp) (Entered: 07/14/2025)	July 14, 2025	July 14, 2025
	Order on Motion for Extension of Time to AND Set/Reset Deadlines	July 14, 2025	July 14, 2025
	Mediation	July 14, 2025	July 14, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: It is ORDERED that Defendant's 42 Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time is GRANTED. Defendant shall file with the Court a certified list of the contents of the administrative record on or before 8/13/2025. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 7/14/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 7/14/2025)	July 14, 2025	July 14, 2025
	Order on Motion for Mediation AND Set/Reset Deadlines	July 18, 2025	July 18, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER REFERRING CASE TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR MEDIATION: The Court GRANTS Plaintiffs' 44 Motion for Referral to a Magistrate Judge for Mediation and hereby REFERS this case for mediation to a randomly assigned magistrate judge. The parties shall file a joint status report by no later than 14 days after the completion of mediation proceedings. The duration of the mediation shall be 90 days from commencement. All other case deadlines are STAYED pending completion of mediation. Signed by Judge Carl J. Nichols on 7/18/2025 (lccjn3) (Entered: 7/18/2025)	July 18, 2025	July 18, 2025
	Case Referred to Magistrate Judge	Aug. 11, 2025	Aug. 11, 2025
	CASE RANDOMLY REFERRED to Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh for mediation. (zjd)	Aug. 11, 2025	Aug. 11, 2025
45	SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE ORDER: Settlement Conference set for 10/14/2025 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 7- In Person before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh. Ex Parte Settlement Conference Statement Due 10/07/2025 by close of business (5:00 PM ET). SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS. Signed by Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh on 08/15/2025. (lcjc) (Entered: 08/15/2025)	Aug. 15, 2025	Aug. 15, 2025 Clearinghouse
	.Order	Oct. 6, 2025	Oct. 6, 2025

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Disability Rights

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 26, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are qualified individuals with perceived or actual mental health disabilities whose commitment to public service motivated their applications to the Peace Corps.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Unknown

Defendants

Carol Spahn, Non-profit or advocacy

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action: