Case: Canaan v. Carnegie Mellon University

2:23-cv-02107 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: Dec. 15, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenged Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for allegedly subjecting a Jewish student to a “campaign of antisemitic abuse,” and retaliating against her after she filed a complaint against a faculty member, in violation of federal and state law. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters involving antisemitism and/or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here. On December 13, 2023, a Jewish student at the …

This case challenged Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for allegedly subjecting a Jewish student to a “campaign of antisemitic abuse,” and retaliating against her after she filed a complaint against a faculty member, in violation of federal and state law. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters involving antisemitism and/or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here.

On December 13, 2023, a Jewish student at the School of Architecture at CMU filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania against CMU. The plaintiff brought claims under Title VI for direct discrimination, hostile educational environment, and retaliation, as well as breach of contract and intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED). The plaintiff sought injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys’ fees. This case was assigned to Judge W. Scott Hardy.

In her complaint, the plaintiff alleged that faculty members made antisemitic remarks to her, such as telling her to focus on "what Jews do to make themselves such a hated group," and claimed that CMU was aware of but exhibited deliberate indifference to the offensive conduct of its faculty. The complaint further alleged that CMU tolerated a hostile educational environment by failing to address antisemitic harassment it was aware of, and retaliated against her after she reported discrimination through materially adverse academic actions. The plaintiff also alleged breach of contract, based on CMU’s failure to investigate her complaints and enforce its nondiscrimination policy, and claimed IIED arising from CMU’s and its professors’ discriminatory and retaliatory conduct that allegedly caused her humiliation, emotional harm, and physical symptoms.

CMU filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on February 13, 2024. On December 17, 2024, the court granted the motion in part and denied it in part. The court denied dismissal of the Title VI direct discrimination claim, finding that ongoing reports of antisemitic faculty comments and CMU’s apparent failure to take substantive action, despite multiple complaints, gave rise to a plausible inference of intentional discrimination through deliberate indifference. The court also denied the motion as to the Title VI hostile educational environment and retaliation claims, finding reasonable inferences of pervasive harassment, deliberate indifference, deprivation of educational benefits, and adverse actions following the plaintiff’s reports of discrimination. For the breach of contract claim, the court dismissed claims based on indefinite promises in CMU’s Procedures but allowed the claim to proceed regarding specific assurances in the Title IX Resource Guide and Policy Against Retaliation. Finally, the court dismissed the claim for IIED, finding the complaint did not sufficiently allege that the faculty’s conduct was undertaken in service of CMU, as required for employer liability. 760 F.Supp.3d 306.

The plaintiff filed a motion for leave to file an amended complaint on November 10, 2025. The court granted this motion on December 5, 2025. 2025 WL 3496148. Accordingly, on December 9, 2025, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint, adding a claim under the Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Control Act (18 Pa. C.S. §§ 5703, 5725) based on allegations that CMU’s Chief Diversity Officer intentionally intercepted wire, electronic, and oral communications between herself, the plaintiff, and a professor without consent, and subsequently disclosed and used the contents in this lawsuit. Additionally, the plaintiff re-pleaded her claim of IIED based on new information obtained during discovery and expanded the factual record.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (3/16/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68091971/parties/canaan-v-carnegie-mellon-university/


Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

2:23-cv-02107

Complaint 2:23-cv-2107

Dec. 13, 2023

Dec. 13, 2023

Complaint
20

2:23-cv-02107

Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Dismiss

Feb. 13, 2024

Feb. 13, 2024

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

2:23-cv-02107

Memorandum Opinion

Dec. 17, 2024

Dec. 17, 2024

Order/Opinion

760 F.Supp.3d 306

130

2:23-cv-02107

Amended Complaint; Jury Trial Demanded

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68091971/canaan-v-carnegie-mellon-university/

Last updated July 28, 2026, 5:03 p.m.

Docket for: CANAAN v. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
ECF Number Date Description Link
1 Dec. 13, 2023

COMPLAINT against CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (Filing fee, including Administrative fee, $405, receipt number APAWDC-8025549), filed by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet) (rtm) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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Clearinghouse
2 Dec. 15, 2023

Summons Issued as to CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY (rtm) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

RECAP
3 Dec. 15, 2023

MOTION for attorney Bryce L. Friedman to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8030327) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Bryce L. Friedman in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Friedman, Bryce) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1

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2

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4 Dec. 15, 2023

MOTION for attorney Michael H. Torkin to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8030373) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Michael H. Torkin in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Torkin, Michael) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1 Affidavit of Michael H. Torkin in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

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2 Proposed Order

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5 Dec. 15, 2023

MOTION for attorney Zachary J. Weiner to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8030505) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Zachary J. Weiner in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Weiner, Zachary) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1 Affidavit of Zachary J. Weiner in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

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2 Proposed Order

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6 Dec. 15, 2023

MOTION for attorney Alexander C. Rabinowitz to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8030535) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Alexander C. Rabinowitz in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Rabinowitz, Alexander) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1 Affidavit of Alexander C. Rabinowitz in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac

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2 Proposed Order

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7 Dec. 15, 2023

MOTION for attorney Ziporah Reich to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8030560) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Ziporah Reich in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Reich, Ziporah) (Entered: 12/15/2023)

1 Affidavit of Ziporah Reich in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice

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2 Proposed Order

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8 Dec. 18, 2023

NOTICE that the instant civil action has been designated for placement into the United States District Court's Alternative Dispute Resolution program. The Parties are directed to fully complete the required 26(f) report, which includes the Stipulation of Selecting an ADR process and Neutral. Counsel for Plaintiff(s) (or in the case of a removal action, counsel for removing Defendant(s)) shall make service of the notice on all parties. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
9 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER on Motions Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b). See Order for further details. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
10 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER granting 3 Motion for Bryce L. Friedman to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
11 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER granting 4 Motion for Michael H. Torkin to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
12 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER granting 5 Motion for Zachary J. Weiner to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
13 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER granting 6 Motion for Alexander C. Rabinowitz to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

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14 Dec. 18, 2023

ORDER granting 7 Motion for Ziporah Reich to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/18/2023. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/18/2023)

RECAP
Dec. 18, 2023

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

15 Dec. 19, 2023

WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed by YAEL CANAAN. CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY waiver sent on 12/15/2023, answer due 2/13/2024. (Friedman, Bryce) (Entered: 12/19/2023)

RECAP
16 Dec. 26, 2023

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE by YAEL CANAAN re 8 Notice of ADR Designation, 9 Order (Weiner, Zachary) (Entered: 12/26/2023)

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17 Feb. 13, 2024

NOTICE of Appearance by John P. Regan on behalf of CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

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18 Feb. 13, 2024

Disclosure Statement identifying None as corporate parent or other affiliate by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

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19 Feb. 13, 2024

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM re 1 Complaint by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Meet and Confer, # 2 Proposed Order) (Regan, John) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

1 Certificate of Meet and Confer

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2 Proposed Order

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20 Feb. 13, 2024

BRIEF in Support re 19 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7) (Regan, John) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

1 Exhibit Index

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2 Exhibit 1

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3 Exhibit 2

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4 Exhibit 3

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5 Exhibit 4

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6 Exhibit 5

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7 Exhibit 6

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8 Exhibit 7

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Clearinghouse
21 Feb. 13, 2024

MOTION for attorney Joshua W. B. Richards to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8113163) by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit of Joshua W.B. Richards in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Richards, Joshua) (Entered: 02/13/2024)

RECAP
22 Feb. 14, 2024

ORDER granting 21 Motion for Joshua W. B. Richards to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/14/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 02/14/2024)

RECAP
Feb. 14, 2024

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

23 Feb. 15, 2024

MOTION for attorney Jamie J. Fell to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8117968) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Jamie J. Fell, # 2 Proposed Order) (Fell, Jamie) (Entered: 02/15/2024)

RECAP
24 Feb. 15, 2024

MOTION for attorney Albert J. Tagliaferri to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8117970) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Albert J. Tagliaferri, # 2 Proposed Order) (Tagliaferri, Albert) (Entered: 02/15/2024)

RECAP
25 Feb. 16, 2024

MOTION for attorney Patrick F. Nugent to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8118369) by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Patrick F. Nugent in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Proposed Order) (Nugent, Patrick) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
26 Feb. 16, 2024

ORDER granting 23 Motion for Jamie J. Fell to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/16/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
27 Feb. 16, 2024

ORDER granting 24 Motion for Albert J. Tagliaferri to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/16/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
28 Feb. 16, 2024

ORDER granting 25 Motion for Patrick F. Nugent to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/16/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 02/16/2024)

RECAP
Feb. 16, 2024

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

29 March 5, 2024

BRIEF in Opposition re 19 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim filed by YAEL CANAAN. (Friedman, Bryce) (Entered: 03/05/2024)

RECAP
30 March 5, 2024

MOTION for Oral Argument re 19 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM re 1 Complaint filed by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Friedman, Bryce) (Entered: 03/05/2024)

1 Proposed Order

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31 March 8, 2024

MOTION for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference and Entry of Scheduling Order by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Friedman, Bryce) (Entered: 03/08/2024)

RECAP
32 March 8, 2024

BRIEF in Support re 31 Motion for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference and Entry of Scheduling Order filed by YAEL CANAAN. (Friedman, Bryce) Modified text on 3/28/2024. (ept) (Entered: 03/08/2024)

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33 March 12, 2024

REPLY IN SUPPORT to 19 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim, filed by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 03/12/2024)

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34 March 14, 2024

RESPONSE IN OPPOSITION to Plaintiffs Motion for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference and Entry of Scheduling Order filed by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

RECAP
35 March 21, 2024

REPLY BRIEF re 31 Motion for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference and Entry of Scheduling Order filed by YAEL CANAAN. (Friedman, Bryce) Modified text on 3/28/2024. (ept) (Entered: 03/21/2024)

RECAP
36 June 26, 2024

ORDER granting 30 Plaintiff's Motion Oral Argument. Oral Argument on 19 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss is set for 8/20/2024 at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 3B before Judge W. Scott Hardy. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 6/26/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 06/26/2024)

RECAP
June 26, 2024

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

37 Aug. 19, 2024

SUPPLEMENT by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY to 19 Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit) (Regan, John) (Entered: 08/19/2024)

1 Exhibit

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38 Aug. 20, 2024

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: Oral Argument held on 8/20/2024. (Court Reporter: A. Williamson) (kas) (Entered: 08/20/2024)

RECAP
39 Aug. 29, 2024

NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Proceedings held on August 20, 2024 before Judge W. Scott Hardy. Court Reporter Amanda Williamson, E-mail: awilliamson2232@gmail.com. The parties have seven (7) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely, electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days. For redaction purposes, or otherwise, during this 90 day period a copy of the transcript may be purchased from the court reporter or viewed at the clerk's office public terminal. Any Notice of Intent to Request Redaction and Redaction Request must be separately mailed to the court reporter of said proceedings. Notice of Intent for Redaction of Personal Data Identifiers due by 9/5/2024. Redaction Request due 9/19/2024. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 9/30/2024. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 11/27/2024. (amw) (Entered: 08/29/2024)

RECAP
40 Dec. 17, 2024

MEMORANDUM OPINION indicating that, for the reasons set forth herein, 19 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss is granted in part and denied in part pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Memorandum Opinion for further detail. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/17/2024. (ck) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

Clearinghouse
41 Dec. 17, 2024

ORDER granting in part and denying in part 19 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim. Plaintiff shall file any amended complaint by 12/31/2024. If Plaintiff does not file an amended complaint by 12/31/2024 her IIED claim will be dismissed with prejudice at that time. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/17/2024. (ck) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

RECAP
42 Dec. 17, 2024

MICROSOFT TEAMS AUDIO CONFERENCING SCHEDULING NOTICE FOR ALL TELEPHONIC CONFERENCES - Every telephonic conference conducted before Judge Hardy will be via a Microsoft Teams Audio Conferencing call-in number which requires participants to dial-in and provide a conference ID. When a Telephonic Conference is scheduled, you will be instructed to refer back to this notice. This document has a security setting of Case Participants Only, so only those individuals will have access to view the document. (kas) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

RECAP
43 Dec. 17, 2024

INITIAL LOCAL RULE 16.1 SCHEDULING ORDER: A telephonic Initial Case Management Conference is set for 1/22/2025 at 11:30 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The Parties shall file a Rule 26(f) Meeting Report, Stipulation Selecting an ADR Process and Neutral, and any proposed stipulated FERPA protective order(s) on or before 1/13/2025. The parties shall refer to Docket No. 42 for dial-in information. See Order for further details. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/17/2024. (kas) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

RECAP
44 Dec. 17, 2024

ORDER indicating that, in light of the Court's Scheduling Order entered at Docket No. 43, 31 Plaintiff's Motion for Rule 16 Scheduling Conference and Entry of Scheduling Order is denied as moot. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/17/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) Modified text on 12/17/2024. (kas) (Entered: 12/17/2024)

RECAP
Dec. 17, 2024

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

45 Dec. 18, 2024

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Regan, John) (Entered: 12/18/2024)

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46 Dec. 19, 2024

ORDER granting 45 Unopposed Motion to Extend Deadline to File Responsive Pleading. Plaintiff shall now file any amended complaint by 1/7/2025 and Defendant shall file a responsive pleading to Plaintiff's Complaint or Amended Complaint, as applicable, on or before 1/24/2025. The Parties shall now file a Rule 26(f) Meeting Report, Stipulation Selecting an ADR Process and Neutral, and any proposed stipulated FERPA protective order(s) on or before 1/27/2025. The Initial Case Management previously set for 1/22/2025 is now set for 2/3/2025 at 11:30 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties shall refer to Docket No. 42 for dial-in information. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 12/19/2024. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 12/19/2024)

RECAP
Dec. 19, 2024

1 - Terminate Deadlines AND Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

47 Jan. 24, 2025

ANSWER to 1 Complaint by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 01/24/2025)

RECAP
48 Jan. 27, 2025

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Regan, John) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

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49 Jan. 27, 2025

STIPULATION selecting ADR process by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

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50 Jan. 27, 2025

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

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51 Feb. 3, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: Initial Case Management Conference held on 2/3/2025. (Court Reporter: None) (kas) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

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52 Feb. 3, 2025

ORDER approving 50 Stipulated Protective Order. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/3/2025. (kas) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

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53 Feb. 3, 2025

CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER: Exchange of required Rule 26(a)(1) information due by 2/6/2025; Amended Pleadings and/or Joinder of Parties due by 3/1/2025; Fact Discovery shall be completed by 7/30/2025. A telephonic Post-Discovery Status Conference set for 8/4/2025 at 11:00 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties are to refer to Docket No 42 for dial-in information. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/3/2025. (kas) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

RECAP
54 Feb. 3, 2025

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Mediation. Honorable Lisa Lenihan (Ret.) is appointed as mediator. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/3/2025. (kas) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

RECAP
55 Feb. 24, 2025

STIPULATION regarding ESI Discovery Plan by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

RECAP
56 Feb. 25, 2025

ORDER approving 55 Stipulation regarding ESI Discovery Plan. See Order for further details. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 2/25/2025. (kas) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

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57 March 7, 2025

ORDER indicating that a telephonic Status Conference is set for 3/13/2025 at 1:30 PM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties are to refer to Docket No. 42 for dial-in information. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 3/7/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 03/07/2025)

RECAP
March 7, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

58 March 13, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: Status Conference held on 3/13/2025. (Court Reporter: None) (kas) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

RECAP
59 March 13, 2025

ORDER indicating that a telephonic Status Conference is set for 4/3/2025 at 11:30 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties are to refer to Docket No. 42 for dial-in information. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 3/13/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

RECAP
March 13, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

60 April 3, 2025

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER Implementing Federal Rule of Evidence 502(d) by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

RECAP
61 April 3, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: Status Conference held on 4/3/2025. (Court Reporter: T. Benson) (kas) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

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62 April 3, 2025

ORDER Implementing Federal Rule of Evidence 502(d) Pursuant to LCvR 16.1.D. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 4/3/2025. (kas) (Entered: 04/03/2025)

RECAP
63 April 24, 2025

ORDER: counsel shall confer on next steps regarding the processing of objections addressed in paragraphs 3-4 of 52 Stipulated and FERPA Protective Order no later than 5/2/2025. A telephonic status conference shall be set by further order of Court. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 4/24/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (ck) (Entered: 04/24/2025)

RECAP
April 24, 2025

Order

64 April 25, 2025

ORDER indicating that a telephonic Status Conference is set for 5/6/2025 at 9:00 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties are to refer to Docket No. 42 . Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 4/25/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

RECAP
65 April 25, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Fell, Jamie) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

1 Proposed Order

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66 April 25, 2025

ORDER granting 65 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Jamie Fell terminated. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 4/25/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 04/25/2025)

RECAP
April 25, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

April 25, 2025

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

67 May 6, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: Telephonic Status Conference held on 5/6/2025. (Court Reporter: T. Benson) (ck) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

RECAP
68 May 6, 2025

ORDER: At the telephonic status conference today, the parties were directed to submit a proposed communication regarding objections and processes to Chambers staff for the Court's in camera review. Such submission shall be due on or before 5/13/2025. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 5/6/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (ck) (Entered: 05/06/2025)

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May 6, 2025

Order

69 May 19, 2025

SCHEDULING ORDER: The Court will conduct a remote in camera proceeding to occur on June 23, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at which objectors to the production of personally identifiable information in connection with this suit will have an opportunity to address the Court regarding any objection and/or to seek protective action. The Court will at that time determine whether the objectors' FERPA-protected information and/or records shall be produced subject to any appropriate protective order. Objectors may virtually attend this hearing to state and explain the basis of any objection(s). Objectors may but are not required to be assisted by counsel at the proceeding. Counsel for the parties to this suit will have the opportunity to ask objectors questions and make related remarks and argument at the proceeding. If ordered to do so by this Court, Carnegie Mellon University will produce the objectors' personally identifiable information or education records. If any objector cannot attend the proceeding at the appointed time, such objector(s) may submit additional information for the Court's consideration in connection to the written objection (limited to 10 pages) to Kallie_sheets@pawd.uscourts.gov on or before June 20, 2025. Counsel for Carnegie Mellon University are ORDERED to notify the objectors of this scheduled proceeding and to provide the link for accessing the remote proceeding to the objectors. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 5/19/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 05/19/2025)

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May 19, 2025

Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings

70 June 23, 2025

MOTION for attorney Sarah E. Phillips to Appear Pro Hac Vice, (Filing fee $70, Receipt # APAWDC-8930368) by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of Sarah E. Phillips in Support of Motion for Admission Pro Hac Vice, # 2 Exhibit - Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order) (Phillips, Sarah) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

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71 June 23, 2025

ORDER granting 70 Motion for Sarah E. Phillips to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 6/23/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (ck) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

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72 June 23, 2025

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge W. Scott Hardy: In Camera Proceeding held on 6/23/2025. (Court Reporter: T. Benson) (ck) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

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73 June 23, 2025

MEMORANDUM ORDER indicating that: the Objectors having been afforded notice of disclosures sought by Plaintiff and the opportunity to object and/or seek protective action before this Court, and the Court having considered the objections, one Objectors' oral supplementation of the same at the 6/23/2025 in camera proceeding, and three Objectors' written supplementation of objections on or before 6/20/2025, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT, consistent with the Court's remarks on the record this day: (1) Defendant is ordered to produce to Plaintiff in discovery those documents relating to the Objectors which have been designated by Defendant as FERPA Protected Information, i.e., the documents that Defendant believes in good faith are "education records" under FERPA; (2) Defendant shall furnish a copy of this judicial Memorandum Order to all the Objectors whose education records will be disclosed pursuant to the same; (3) The Parties shall abide by the Court's other instructions as provided on the record at the in camera proceeding; (4) The Transcript of the in camera proceeding shall be sealed. See Memorandum Order for further details. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 6/23/2025. (ck) (Entered: 06/23/2025)

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June 23, 2025

Order on Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice

74 June 30, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney | Michael H. Torkin by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Phillips, Sarah) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

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75 June 30, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney | Alexander C. Rabinowitz by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Phillips, Sarah) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

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76 June 30, 2025

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney | Albert J. Tagliaferri by YAEL CANAAN. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Phillips, Sarah) (Entered: 06/30/2025)

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77 July 1, 2025

ORDER granting 74 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Michael Torkin terminated. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 7/1/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 07/01/2025)

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78 July 1, 2025

ORDER granting 75 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Alexander Rabinowitz terminated. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 7/1/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 07/01/2025)

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79 July 1, 2025

ORDER granting 76 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Albert Tagliaferri terminated. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 7/1/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 07/01/2025)

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July 1, 2025

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

80 July 10, 2025

STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY OF DOCUMENTS AND DISCOVERY MATERIAL by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Regan, John) (Entered: 07/10/2025)

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81 July 11, 2025

ORDER approving 80 Stipulated Protective Order as modified by the Court at Paragraph 8. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 7/11/2025. (kas) (Entered: 07/11/2025)

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82 July 22, 2025

Joint MOTION to Extend Time to Extend Deadlines in Initial Case Management Order by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Regan, John) (Entered: 07/22/2025)

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83 July 23, 2025

ORDER granting 82 Joint Motion to Extend Deadlines in Initial Case Management Order. Fact Discovery shall now be completed by 10/31/2025. The telephonic Post-Discovery Status Conference previously set for 8/4/2025 is now set for 11/3/2025 at 11:30 AM before Judge W. Scott Hardy. The parties are to refer to Docket No 42 for dial-in information. Signed by Judge W. Scott Hardy on 7/23/2025. Text-only entry; no PDF document will issue. This text-only entry constitutes the Order of the Court or Notice on the matter. (kas) (Entered: 07/23/2025)

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July 23, 2025

1 - Terminate Deadlines AND Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings AND ~Util - Terminate Motions

84 Aug. 19, 2025

Notice of Mediation by CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY. Mediation Date December 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Regan, John) (Entered: 08/19/2025)

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Education

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: Dec. 15, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A Jewish student at the School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Other

Carnegie Mellon University

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State law

Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.

Other Dockets:

Western District of Pennsylvania 2:23-cv-02107

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

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

General/Misc.:

Education

Incident/accident reporting & investigations

School/University policies

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Discrimination Basis:

National origin discrimination

Religion discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Israeli

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation