Case: Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights v. McMahon

1:25-cv-03860 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: Nov. 4, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges the Trump Administration's disqualification of employers who provide services at odds with the administration's political agenda from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.  On March 7, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness,” In which he declared that PSLF has “misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations that not only fail to serve the public interest, but actually harm our national security an…

This case challenges the Trump Administration's disqualification of employers who provide services at odds with the administration's political agenda from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. 

On March 7, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness,” In which he declared that PSLF has “misdirected tax dollars into activist organizations that not only fail to serve the public interest, but actually harm our national security and American values.” It directed the Secretary of Education to disqualify public service organizations that provide services that are contrary to the Administration’s political agenda from the PSLF program. The Executive Order specifically targets organizations providing aid in the fields of immigration, terrorism, gender affirming care for minors, illegal discrimination, or protests (state tort law). On October 31, 2025, the Department of Education promulgated a Final Rule implementing this policy. 

On November 4, 2025, the plaintiffs — non-profit organizations, including the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, American Immigration Counsel, The Door, and LULAC — filed this lawsuit against the Department of Education. Represented by the National Student Legal Defense Network and the Public Citizen Litigation Group, the plaintiffs allege that the Final Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because it was contrary to and in excess of statutory authority under the Higher Education Act (HEA), and was arbitrary and capricious. Plaintiffs also alleged that the rule was unconstitutionally vague in violation of due process and that it impermissibly chills speech in violation of the First Amendment. The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. This case was assigned to District Judge Amir H. Ali. 

On February 9, 2026, the plaintiffs moved for summary judgment seeking vacatur of the Final Rule and a declaration that it was arbitrary, capricious, and not in accordance with the law, in excess of statutory authority, and contrary to the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights. The plaintiffs first argued that they had standing because their injuries – including obligation and compliance costs and costs associated with recruitment and retention of staff – could be directly traced to the Final Rule. The plaintiffs also contended that they were likely to succeed on their APA claims because the Final Rule exceeded the Department’s statutory authority under the HEA. Under the HEA, there is no discretion to forgive loans if the necessary payments are being made and there is full-time employment at a 501(c)(3) organization. The plaintiffs also maintained that the Final Rule was vague and suppressed protected speech in violation of the Constitution, as it did not provide guidance to employers on its application and attempted to silence disfavored speech that the plaintiffs lawfully expressed. 

The following month, on March 9, 2026, the defendants filed a cross-motion to dismiss, or, in the alternative, for summary judgment. The defendants argued that, in addition to the plaintiffs lacking standing, the APA claims and constitutional claims failed. The defendants maintained that the Final Rule was promulgated pursuant to the Department’s broad authority to regulate programs it administered and provided an extensive and reasoned explanation as to why the Final Rule was issued. The defendants further contended that the Final Rule did not target constitutionally protected speech nor declare any new unlawful conduct, but rather clarified the consequences of engaging in conduct that was already illegal under federal and state law. 

On June 30, 2026, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, vacating the Final Rule. 2026 WL 1893511. The court held that the plaintiffs had standing to bring their claims because they demonstrated that their injuries, including obligation and compliance costs, were traceable to the Final Rule, and could be redressed by vacatur. Further, the court held that the Final Rule was contrary to law and exceeded the Department’s statutory authority granted by the HEA. The court explained that the plain text of the HEA states that the PSLF program is made available to individuals with a full-time job at a 501(3)(c) organization, and does not allow the Department to exclude certain organizations from the PSLF program based on categorization of their activities. The court noted that a general grant of rulemaking authority cannot be used to revise specific policy choices that Congress has made. For these reasons, the court vacated the Final Rule. 

As of July 29, 2026, this case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Kara Wilczynski (7/29/2026)

Zainab Mustafa (11/5/2025)

Related Cases

National Council of Nonprofits v. McMahon, District of Massachusetts (2025)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Education, District of Massachusetts (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71872572/parties/robert-f-kennedy-center-for-justice-and-human-rights-v-mcmahon/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Ament, Aaron S. (District of Columbia)

Bryant, Chris (District of Columbia)

Early, Cormac A. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant
Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Austin, Sarah K. (District of Columbia)

Bonillas, Adria Jasmine (District of Columbia)

Documents in the Clearinghouse
1

1:25-cv-03860

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

Complaint
47

1:25-cv-03860

Memorandum Opinion

Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights et al. v. McMahon et al.

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2026

Order/Opinion

2026 WL 1893511

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71872572/robert-f-kennedy-center-for-justice-and-human-rights-v-mcmahon/

Last updated Aug. 25, 2026, 3:48 a.m.

Docket for: ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS v. MCMAHON
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Nov. 4, 2025

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12061678) filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons U.S. Department of Education, # 3 Summons Secretary of Education, # 4 Summons U.S. Attorney's Office, # 5 Attorney General)(Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Summons U.S. Department of Education

View on PACER

3 Summons Secretary of Education

View on PACER

4 Summons U.S. Attorney's Office

View on PACER

5 Attorney General

View on PACER

Clearinghouse
2 Nov. 4, 2025

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

RECAP
3 Nov. 4, 2025

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

RECAP
4 Nov. 4, 2025

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

RECAP
5 Nov. 4, 2025

LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

RECAP
6 Nov. 4, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Chris Bryant on behalf of AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. (Bryant, Chris) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

RECAP
7 Nov. 5, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel A. Zibel on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Zibel, Daniel) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

RECAP
8 Nov. 5, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Eric Rothschild on behalf of AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. (Rothschild, Eric) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

RECAP
9 Nov. 5, 2025

SUMMONS (4) Issued Electronically as to LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zjm) Modified on 11/5/2025 to correct docket text (zjm). (Entered: 11/05/2025)

RECAP
Nov. 5, 2025

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Nov. 5, 2025

Case Assigned to Judge Amir H. Ali. (zjm)

10 Nov. 6, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Adam R. Pulver on behalf of AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. (Pulver, Adam) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

RECAP
11 Nov. 18, 2025

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 11/5/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 1/4/2026. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

RECAP
12 Nov. 24, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Heidy L Gonzalez on behalf of All Defendants (Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

RECAP
13 Nov. 24, 2025

STIPULATION Regarding Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
Nov. 26, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. The court construes the parties' 13 stipulation regarding summary judgment briefing schedule as a motion for briefing schedule. The motion is granted. Defendants shall produce the administrative record to Plaintiffs by January 12, 2026. Plaintiffs shall file any motion for summary judgment by February 9, 2026. Defendants shall file any response to Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment, consolidated with any cross-motion for summary judgment or dismissal, by March 9, 2026. Plaintiffs shall file any reply in support of summary judgment, consolidated with any response to Defendants' cross-motion, by March 30, 2026. Defendants shall file any reply in support of their cross-motion by April 20, 2026. The parties shall file a joint appendix by May 4, 2026. The parties shall file a joint status report within seven days of the court's resolution of summary judgment proposing next steps, including, as appropriate, a timeline for Defendants to file an answer. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 11/26/2025. (lcaha2) Modified on 11/26/2025. (zalh)

Nov. 26, 2025

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Nov. 26, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines

Nov. 26, 2025

Set/Reset Deadlines: Defendants' Cross Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/9/2026. Plaintiffs' Response to Cross Motion for Summary Judgment due by 3/30/2026. (zalh)

14 Dec. 1, 2025

STANDING ORDER. The parties are ordered to comply with the directives set forth in the attached standing order. See document for details. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 12/1/2025. (lcaha2) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

RECAP
15 Dec. 16, 2025

NOTICE of Appearance by Aaron S. Ament on behalf of AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. (Ament, Aaron) (Entered: 12/16/2025)

RECAP
16 Jan. 12, 2026

ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on PACER

RECAP
17 Feb. 9, 2026

MOTION for Summary Judgment by AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Affidavit Declaration of Babette Perez, # 4 Affidavit Declaration of Jorge Loweree, # 5 Affidavit Declaration of Juan Proao, # 6 Affidavit Declaration of Kelsey Louie)(Early, Cormac) (Entered: 02/09/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

3 Affidavit Declaration of Babette Perez

View on PACER

4 Affidavit Declaration of Jorge Loweree

View on PACER

5 Affidavit Declaration of Juan Proao

View on PACER

6 Affidavit Declaration of Kelsey Louie

View on PACER

RECAP
18 Feb. 10, 2026

ERRATA corrected table of contents by AMERICAN IMMIGRATION COUNCIL, LEAGUE OF UNITED LATIN AMERICAN CITIZENS INSTITUTE, INC., ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, THE DOOR - A CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVES, INC. re 17 Motion for Summary Judgment,. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 02/10/2026)

RECAP
19 Feb. 19, 2026

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by George Washington Law School. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support)(Morrison, Alan) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

1 Memorandum in Support

View on RECAP

RECAP
20 Feb. 24, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Nathan A. Maxwell, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12262995. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., OutFront Minnesota, Equality California, PFLAG Greater Boston, Services and Advocacy for GLBTQ+ Elders (SAGE), NATIONAL WOMENS LAW CENTER, Our Family Coalition. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Nathan A. Maxwell, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Marcus, Benjamin) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
21 Feb. 24, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Sarah Austin, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12263045. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by Equality California, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMENS LAW CENTER, Our Family Coalition, OutFront Minnesota, PFLAG Greater Boston, Services and Advocacy for GLBTQ+ Elders (SAGE). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Sarah Austin, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Marcus, Benjamin) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

1 Affidavit Declaration of Sarah Austin

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing

View on PACER

RECAP
22 Feb. 24, 2026

Consent MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., OUTFRONT MINNESOTA, EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, PFLAG GREATER BOSTON, SERVICES AND ADVOCACY FOR GLBTQ+ ELDERS (SAGE), NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER, OUR FAMILY COALITION. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Brief, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Marcus, Benjamin) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

1 Exhibit Proposed Brief

View on PACER

2 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
23 Feb. 24, 2026

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief In Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment by LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Attachments: # 1 [Proposed] Brief of Amicus Curiae the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and American Civil Liberties Union, # 2 [Proposed] Order Granting Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae)(Jones, Chavis) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

1 [Proposed] Brief of Amicus Curiae the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights

View on PACER

2 [Proposed] Order Granting Leave to File Brief of Amici Curiae

View on PACER

RECAP
24 Feb. 24, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Chavis Travon Jones on behalf of LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Jones, Chavis) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
25 Feb. 24, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Sumayya Saleh on behalf of LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
26 Feb. 24, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Michael J. Pillera, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12263241. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order)(Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
27 Feb. 24, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Adria Bonillas, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12263246. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order)(Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

RECAP
28 Feb. 25, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Freya Jamison, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12264529. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order)(Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

RECAP
29 Feb. 27, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Joshua D. Rovenger, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12269412. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER, OUR FAMILY COALITION, OUTFRONT MINNESOTA, PFLAG GREATER BOSTON. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Joshua D. Rovenger, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(Marcus, Benjamin) (Entered: 02/27/2026)

RECAP
30 March 4, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Leah Watson, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12278837. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order)(Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 03/04/2026)

RECAP
31 March 9, 2026

RESPONSE re 17 MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

RECAP
32 March 9, 2026

Cross MOTION to Dismiss or in the Alternative for Summary Judgment (see also ECF No. 31 per ECF requirements) by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

RECAP
33 March 13, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah K. Austin on behalf of EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMENS LAW CENTER, OUR FAMILY COALITION, OUTFRONT MINNESOTA, PFLAG GREATER BOSTON, SERVICES AND ADVOCACY FOR GLBTQ+ ELDERS (SAGE) (Austin, Sarah) (Main Document 33 replaced on 3/16/2026) (mg). (Entered: 03/13/2026)

RECAP
34 March 13, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua Rovenger on behalf of EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER, OUR FAMILY COALITION, OUTFRONT MINNESOTA, PFLAG GREATER BOSTON, SERVICES AND ADVOCACY FOR GLBTQ+ ELDERS (SAGE) (Rovenger, Joshua) (Main Document 34 replaced on 3/16/2026) (mg). (Entered: 03/13/2026)

RECAP
35 March 13, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Nathan Maxwell on behalf of Equality California, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMENS LAW CENTER, Our Family Coalition, OutFront Minnesota, PFLAG Greater Boston, Services and Advocacy for GLBTQ+ Elders (SAGE) (Maxwell, Nathan) (Entered: 03/13/2026)

RECAP
March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 26 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Michael J. Pillera 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 13, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 20 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Nathan A. Maxwell 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 27 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Adria Bonillas 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 21 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Sarah K. Austin 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 29 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Joshua D. Rovenger 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 13, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 30 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Leah Watson 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/13/2026. (lcaha2)

March 17, 2026

MINUTE ORDER. The court is in receipt of the 28 motion for leave of attorney Freya Jamison to appear pro hac vice. Under the comment to Local Civil Rule 83.2(c)(2), "as a general matter, attorneys who engage in the practice of law from an office located in the District of Columbia and who file papers in this Court should be a member of the Bar of this Court and the District of Columbia Bar." The motion represents that Jamison practices from an office located in the District of Columbia and is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar. ECF No. 28 at 2. But the declaration indicates that Jamison is not a member of the District of Columbia Bar. ECF No. 28-1 at 1. Accordingly, the 28 motion is denied without prejudice. The court will grant pro hac vice admission if Jamison clarifies that she is a member of the District of Columbia bar, or submits an application for admission to that bar. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 3/17/2026. (lcaha2)

March 17, 2026

MINUTE ORDER. The court is in receipt of the 28 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice for attorney Freya Jamison. Under the comment to Local Civil Rule 83.2(c)(2), "as a general matter, attorneys who engage in the practice of law from an office located in the District of Columbia and who file papers in this Court should be a member of the Bar of this Court and the District of Columbia Bar." The motion represents that Jamison practices from an office located in the District of Columbia and is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar. ECF No. 28 at 2. But the declaration indicates that Jamison is not a member of the District of Columbia Bar. ECF No. 28-1 at 1. Accordingly, the 28 motion is denied without prejudice. The court will grant pro hac vice admission if Jamison clarifies that she is a member of the District of Columbia bar, or submits an application for admission to that bar. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 3/17/2026. (lcaha2) Modified on 3/23/2026. (zalh)

March 17, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

36 March 18, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Joseph Pillera on behalf of AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Pillera, Michael) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
37 March 18, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Adria Jasmine Bonillas on behalf of AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Bonillas, Adria) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

RECAP
38 March 19, 2026

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Freya Jamison, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12309436. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order)(Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 03/19/2026)

RECAP
March 23, 2026

MINUTE ORDER granting 38 motion for leave to appear pro hac vice. Attorney Freya Jamison 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 Amir H. Ali on 3/23/2026. (lcaha2)

March 23, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

39 March 25, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Freya Jamison on behalf of AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Jamison, Freya) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

RECAP
40 March 30, 2026

Memorandum in opposition to re 32 Cross MOTION to Dismiss or in the Alternative for Summary Judgment (see also ECF No. 31 per ECF requirements) filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

RECAP
41 March 30, 2026

REPLY to opposition to motion re 17 Motion for Summary Judgment, filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS. (Early, Cormac) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

RECAP
42 April 7, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Leah Watson on behalf of AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW (Watson, Leah) (Entered: 04/07/2026)

RECAP
43 April 20, 2026

REPLY to opposition to motion re 32 Motion to Dismiss or in the alternative, Summary Judgment filed by LINDA MCMAHON, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. (Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 04/20/2026)

RECAP
44 May 4, 2026

JOINT APPENDIX of Administrative Record by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS re 17 Motion for Summary Judgment, (Attachments: # 1 Appendix Volume I, # 2 Appendix Volume II, # 3 Appendix Volume III, # 4 Appendix Volume IV, # 5 Appendix Volume V)(Early, Cormac) Modified event on 5/11/2026 (mg). (Entered: 05/04/2026)

1 Appendix Volume I

View on PACER

2 Appendix Volume II

View on PACER

3 Appendix Volume III

View on PACER

4 Appendix Volume IV

View on PACER

5 Appendix Volume V

View on PACER

RECAP
45 June 11, 2026

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (Saleh, Sumayya) (Entered: 06/11/2026)

RECAP
46 June 23, 2026

NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by ROBERT F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Federal Register notice, # 2 Exhibit Redline of proposed revisions)(Early, Cormac) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

1 Exhibit Federal Register notice

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Redline of proposed revisions

View on PACER

RECAP
June 29, 2026

MINUTE ORDER. The 45 motion to withdraw the appearance of attorney Sumayya Saleh is granted. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 6/29/2026. (lcaha2)

June 29, 2026

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

47 June 30, 2026

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Plaintiffs' 17 motion for summary judgment is granted. Defendants' 32 cross-motion to dismiss, or in the alternative for summary judgment, is denied. See document for details. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 06/30/2026. (lcaha3)

Clearinghouse
48 June 30, 2026

ORDER. For the reasons stated in the accompanying memorandum opinion, Plaintiffs' 17 motion for summary judgment is granted. Defendants' 32 cross-motion to dismiss, or in the alternative for summary judgment, is denied. The final rule, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, 90 Fed. Reg. 48966 (Oct. 31, 2025), is vacated. The Clerk of Court is directed to close the case. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 06/30/2026. (lcaha3) (Entered: 06/30/2026)

RECAP
49 June 30, 2026

AMICUS BRIEF by GEORGE WASHINGTON LAW SCHOOL. (mg) (Entered: 07/06/2026)

RECAP
50 June 30, 2026

AMICUS BRIEF by EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, GLBTQ LEGAL ADVOCATES & DEFENDERS, LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND, INC., NATIONAL WOMEN'S LAW CENTER, OUR FAMILY COALITION, OUTFRONT MINNESOTA, PFLAG GREATER BOSTON, SERVICES AND ADVOCACY FOR GLBTQ+ ELDERS (SAGE). (mg) (Entered: 07/06/2026)

RECAP
51 June 30, 2026

AMICUS BRIEF by LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW. (mg) (Entered: 07/06/2026)

RECAP
June 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER. George Washington Law School's 19 motion for leave to file amicus brief, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders et al.'s 22 consent motion for leave to file amicus brief, and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's 23 unopposed motion for leave to file amicus brief are granted. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 06/30/2026. (lcaha3)

June 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER. George Washington Law School's 19 motion for leave to file amicus brief, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders et al.'s 22 consent motion for leave to file amicus brief, and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's 23 unopposed motion for leave to file amicus brief in support of Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment are granted. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 06/30/2026. (lcaha3) Modified on 7/2/2026. (zalh)

June 30, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief AND Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief AND Order on Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Education

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 4, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are non-profit organizations, including the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, American Immigration Council, The Door, and LULAC.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

U.S. 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

Freedom of speech/association

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-03860

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Recommended Citation