Case: Groveman v. UC Davis

24-cv-01421 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

Filed Date: May 17, 2024

Closed Date: Aug. 27, 2025

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges UC Davis and several administrators for allegedly permitting an on-campus protest encampment that reportedly blocked central campus access, promoted hostility toward Jews and Israel, and included some participants unaffiliated with the university. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters of antisemitism or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here.  On May 17, 2024, a Jewish UC Davis communi…

This case challenges UC Davis and several administrators for allegedly permitting an on-campus protest encampment that reportedly blocked central campus access, promoted hostility toward Jews and Israel, and included some participants unaffiliated with the university. Other cases involving universities’ responses to speech and activity concerning Israel and Palestine, including matters of antisemitism or anti-Palestinian expression, can be found here

On May 17, 2024, a Jewish UC Davis community member filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California against UC Davis, the Regents of the University of California, and various administrators. The complaint asserted claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Equal Protection and Free Exercise), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys’ fees. The case was initially assigned to Judge Daniel J. Calabretta, but after Judge Calabretta recused himself on December 18, 2024, it was reassigned to Judge William B. Shubb. 

In the complaint, the plaintiff alleged that defendants violated the Equal Protection and Free Exercise Clauses by selectively enforcing university policies and allowing the encampment to block campus access and interfere with his expression of Jewish identity and Zionist views; denied him participation in federally funded programs and campus political life because of his religion and national identity in violation of Title VI; and prevented safe mobility due to his disability in violation of the ADA.

On September 4, 2024, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint that removed UC Davis as a defendant, expanded the factual allegations, and added individual-capacity claims against certain administrators. The defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint on October 17, 2024.

On February 4, 2025, the court granted the motion to dismiss in its entirety. It held that the plaintiff failed to plausibly allege intentional discrimination under Equal Protection or a burden on religious exercise under the Free Exercise Clause, and that qualified immunity applied. The court also found that the plaintiff lacked Title VI standing because he was not participating in a federally funded university program, and that the ADA claim failed because UC Davis provided reasonable alternative accessible routes. Concluding that further amendment would be futile, the court dismissed the case without leave to amend.

The plaintiff moved for a new trial on March 4, 2025, asking the court to vacate its order and permit amendment. On April 10, 2025, the court denied the motion, finding that the proposed second amended complaint still failed to cure the deficiencies in any claim. Specifically, the court determined that the new Equal Protection and Free Exercise allegations still failed to connect the defendants’ conduct to the protesters’ actions or overcome qualified immunity; plaintiff’s added assertions of his ties to UC Davis did not establish statutory standing under Title VI; and the amended ADA allegations continued to show only that plaintiff could not use the specific path occupied by the encampment, not that he was unable to reach any destination on campus

The plaintiff appealed to the Ninth Circuit on March 7, 2025. On August 27, 2025, the court of appeals dismissed the appeal under Ninth Circuit Rule 42-1 after the plaintiff failed to file an opening brief.

This case is now closed. 

Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (12/3/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68546839/parties/groveman-v-uc-davis/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Rosenberg-Wohl, David M (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Cowan, Matthew (California)

PHV, Anton Metlitsky (California)

PHV, Jennifer B. (California)

PHV, Meaghan McLaine (California)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

24-cv-01421

Complaint

Groveman v. UC Davis et al.

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

Complaint
24

24-cv-01421

Am. Complaint

Groveman v. Regents of the University of California et al.

Sept. 4, 2024

Sept. 4, 2024

Complaint
43

24-cv-01421

Memorandum and Order Re: Motion to Dismiss First Amended Complaint

Groveman v. Regents of the University of California et al.

Feb. 4, 2025

Feb. 4, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 391312

50

24-cv-01421

Order Re: Plaintiff's Motion to Amend Judgment

Groveman v. Regents of the University of California et al.

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1092397

54

24-cv-01421

Order

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68546839/groveman-v-uc-davis/

Last updated Nov. 18, 2025, 12:24 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants by Jonathan Groveman. Attorney Rosenberg-Wohl, David M added. (Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACAEDC-11532232) (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 05/17/2024)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

May 17, 2024

May 17, 2024

Clearinghouse
2

SUMMONS ISSUED as to *Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis* with answer to complaint due within *21* days. Attorney *David M Rosenberg-Wohl* *Hershenson Rosenberg-Wohl* *3080 Washington St.* *San Francisco, CA 94115*. (Benson, A.) (Entered: 05/20/2024)

May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024

3

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; (Attachments: # 1 Consent Form, # 2 VDRP) (Benson, A.) (Entered: 05/20/2024)

May 20, 2024

May 20, 2024

4

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: Regents of the University of California served on 6/3/2024, answer due 6/24/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

5

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: UC Davis served on 6/3/2024, answer due 6/24/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

6

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: Mary Croughan served on 6/4/2024, answer due 6/25/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

7

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: Pablo Reguerin served on 6/4/2024, answer due 6/25/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

8

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: Clare Shinnerl served on 6/4/2024, answer due 6/25/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

9

SUMMONS RETURNED EXECUTED: Renetta Garrison Tull served on 6/4/2024, answer due 6/25/2024. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 06/13/2024)

June 13, 2024

June 13, 2024

10

NOTICE of APPEARANCE by Mathew Cowan on behalf of Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. Attorney Cowan, Mathew added. (Cowan, Mathew) (Entered: 06/21/2024)

June 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

11

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by Defendants Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. (Cowan, Mathew) (Entered: 06/21/2024)

June 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

12

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Administrative Relief to Extend Time to Respond by Defendants. (Cowan, Mathew) Modified on 6/25/2024 (Mena-Sanchez, L). (Entered: 06/21/2024)

June 21, 2024

June 21, 2024

13

STIPULATION and ORDER signed by Magistrate Judge Allison Claire on 06/24/2024 EXTENDING the deadline for each Defendant to file response to 1 Complaint to 08/08/2024. (Lopez, K)

June 25, 2024

June 25, 2024

RECAP
14

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis for attorney Jennifer B. Sokoler to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-11632152) (Cowan, Matthew) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

RECAP
15

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis for attorney Meaghan VerGow to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-11632224) (Cowan, Matthew) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

16

PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION and PROPOSED ORDER submitted by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis for attorney Anton Metlitsky to appear Pro Hac Vice. (Filing fee $ 300, receipt number ACAEDC-11632256) (Cowan, Matthew) (Entered: 07/15/2024)

July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

17

CONSENT/DECLINE of U.S. Magistrate Judge Jurisdiction. Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 73(b)(1), this document is restricted to attorneys and court staff only. Judges do not have access to view this document and will be informed of a party's response only if all parties have consented to the referral. (Cowan, Matthew) (Entered: 08/05/2024)

Aug. 5, 2024

Aug. 5, 2024

18

CLERK'S NOTICE REASSIGNING CASE (TEXT ONLY). This case has been assigned to District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta and Magistrate Judge Allison Claire. The new case number is: 2:24-cv-1421 DJC AC. (Licea Chavez, V) (Entered: 08/06/2024)

Aug. 6, 2024

Aug. 6, 2024

19

CIVIL NEW CASE DOCUMENTS ISSUED; (Attachments: # 1 Standing Order, # 2 Consent Form, # 3 VDRP) (Licea Chavez, V) (Entered: 08/06/2024)

Aug. 6, 2024

Aug. 6, 2024

20

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Administrative Relief Regarding Amended Complaint and Briefing Schedule by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, et al,. (Cowan, Matthew) Modified on 8/9/2024 (Licea Chavez, V). (Entered: 08/08/2024)

Aug. 8, 2024

Aug. 8, 2024

RECAP
21

STIPULATION and ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 8/9/2024 ORDERING that The deadline for Plaintiff to file an amended complaint is 8/28/2024. The deadline for Defendants to respond to the amended complaint is 9/23/2024. The deadline for the Parties to file the joint Rule 26(f) discovery plan 9/30/2024. (Mena-Sanchez, L)

Aug. 9, 2024

Aug. 9, 2024

RECAP
22

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Admin Relief by Jonathan Groveman. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) Modified on 8/28/2024 (Licea Chavez, V). (Entered: 08/27/2024)

Aug. 27, 2024

Aug. 27, 2024

RECAP
23

STIPULATION and ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 8/28/2024 DIRECTING the Plaintiff to file an amended complaint by 9/4/2024, Defendants to respond to the amended complaint by 9/30/2024, and the Parties to file the joint Rule 26(f) discovery plan by 10/7/2024. (Mendez Licea, O)

Aug. 28, 2024

Aug. 28, 2024

RECAP
24

FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull by Jonathan Groveman. (Rosenberg-Wohl, David) (Entered: 09/04/2024)

Sept. 4, 2024

Sept. 4, 2024

Clearinghouse
25

PRO HAC VICE ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 9/6/2024 GRANTING 14 Application for Pro Hac Vice. Added attorney Jennifer B. Sokoler, PHV for Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Mendez Licea, O)

Sept. 9, 2024

Sept. 9, 2024

RECAP
26

PRO HAC VICE ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 9/6/2024 GRANTING 15 Application for Pro Hac Vice. Added attorney Meaghan VerGow, PHV for Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Mendez Licea, O)

Sept. 9, 2024

Sept. 9, 2024

RECAP
27

PRO HAC VICE ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 9/6/2024 GRANTING 16 Application for Pro Hac Vice. Added attorney Anton Metlitsky, PHV for Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. The Pro Hac Vice attorney is directed to request electronic filing access through PACER. (Mendez Licea, O)

Sept. 9, 2024

Sept. 9, 2024

RECAP
28

STIPULATION and PROPOSED ORDER for Administrative Relief Regarding Amended Complaint and Briefing Schedule by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. (Cowan, Matthew) (Entered: 09/25/2024)

Sept. 25, 2024

Sept. 25, 2024

29

STIPULATION and ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 9/27/2024 EXTENDING deadline for defendants to respond to the amended complaint to 10/17/2024 and for parties to file a joint Rule 26(f) discovery plan to 10/24/2024. (Zignago, K.)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
30

NOTICE of REQUEST to REDACT LIMITED PORTIONS OF EXHIBIT IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT'S MOTION TO DISMISS; [PROPOSED] ORDER by All Defendants. (Cowan, Matthew) Modified on 10/17/2024 (Lopez, K). (Entered: 10/15/2024)

Oct. 15, 2024

Oct. 15, 2024

31

ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 10/16/2024 GRANTING 30 Request to Redact Limited Portions of Exhibit in Support ofDefendants' Motion to Dismiss. (Kyono, V)

Oct. 17, 2024

Oct. 17, 2024

RECAP
32

MOTION TO DISMISS by Mary Croughan, Michael V. Drake, Gary S. May, Regents of the University of California, Pablo Reguerin, Clare Shinnerl, Renetta Garrison Tull, UC Davis. Motion Hearing SET for 1/9/2025 at 1:30 PM in COurtroom 10 before DIstrict Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum of Points and Authorities # 2 Declaration of Matthew R. Cowan, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E, # 8 Exhibit F) (Cowan, Matthew) Modified on 10/17/2024 (Lopez, K). Modified on 10/18/2024 (Michel, G.). (Entered: 10/17/2024)

1 Memorandum of Points and Authorities

View on RECAP

2 Declaration of Matthew R. Cowan

View on PACER

3 Exhibit A

View on PACER

4 Exhibit B

View on PACER

5 Exhibit C

View on PACER

6 Exhibit D

View on PACER

7 Exhibit E

View on PACER

8 Exhibit F

View on PACER

Oct. 17, 2024

Oct. 17, 2024

RECAP
33

REQUEST for JUDICIAL NOTICE by All Defendant's in support of 32 Motion to Dismiss. (Cowan, Matthew) Modified on 10/17/2024 (Lopez, K). (Entered: 10/17/2024)

Oct. 17, 2024

Oct. 17, 2024

34

MINUTE ORDER issued by Courtroom Deputy G. Michel for District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 10/18/2024: The parties shall file a joint status report pursuant to this Court's Initial Case Management Order within twenty-eight (28) days after the Court's ruling on Defendants' pending 32 Motion to Dismiss. IT IS SO ORDERED. [TEXT ENTRY ONLY] (Michel, G.) (Entered: 10/18/2024)

Oct. 18, 2024

Oct. 18, 2024

Minute Order

Oct. 18, 2024

Oct. 18, 2024

35

Stipulation and Proposed Order

Oct. 25, 2024

Oct. 25, 2024

36

STIPULATION and ORDER signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 10/25/2024 ORDERING the deadline for Plaintiff to file an opposition to 32 Motion to Dismiss is 11/18/2024. The deadline for Defendants to file a reply is 12/10/2024. The hearing on Defendants' motion to dismiss will be held on 1/9/2025, at 1:30 PM in Courtroom 10. (Zignago, K.)

Oct. 28, 2024

Oct. 28, 2024

RECAP
37

Opposition to Motion

Nov. 18, 2024

Nov. 18, 2024

39

ORDER of RECUSAL signed by District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on 12/17/2024 RECUSING District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta and RANDOMLY REASSIGNING Senior District Judge William B. Shubb for all further proceedings. All deadlines and pending dates previously set before Judge Calabretta are VACATED AND RESET before Senior District Judge William B. Shubb. The new case number is: 2:24-cv-1421 WBS AC. (Woodson, A)

Dec. 18, 2024

Dec. 18, 2024

RECAP

Minute Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Motion Hearing

Dec. 18, 2024

Dec. 18, 2024

Motion Hearing AND ~Util - Motions Submitted/Under Advisement

Feb. 3, 2025

Feb. 3, 2025

43

MEMORANDUM and ORDER signed by Senior District Judge William B. Shubb on 2/4/2025 GRANTING 32 Motion to Dismiss. CASE CLOSED. (Deputy Clerk KEZ)

Feb. 4, 2025

Feb. 4, 2025

Clearinghouse
44

Judgment

Feb. 4, 2025

Feb. 4, 2025

45

New Trial

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

RECAP
49

Miscellaneous Relief

April 7, 2025

April 7, 2025

50

ORDER signed by Senior District Judge William B. Shubb on 4/10/2025 DENYING Plaintiff's Motion to Amend the Judgment 45 . (The 4/14/2025 hearing date is vacated.) (Deputy Clerk KKS)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Clearinghouse
51

Notice of Appeal

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

RECAP
52

Appeal Processed to USCA

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

USCA Case Number

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

54

USCA Order/Mandate/Memo

Aug. 27, 2025

Aug. 27, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

California

Case Type(s):

Education

Disability Rights

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 17, 2024

Closing Date: Aug. 27, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiff is a Jewish resident of Davis, California who is also a UC Davis community member.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Regents of the University of California (Alameda), State

President of the University of California, State

Gary S. May (in his official capacity as the Chancellor of UC Davis and in his individual capacity), None

Mary Croughan (in her official capacity as Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of UC Davis and in her individual capacity), None

Renetta Garrison Tull (in her official capacity as Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Co-Chair, Next Generation Campus Safety Task Force and in her individual capacity), None

Clare Shinnerl (in her official capacity as Vice Chancellor for Finance, Operations & Administration and in her individual capacity), None

Pablo Reguerin (in his official capacity as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and in his individual capacity), None

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111 et seq.

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

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of California 24-cv-01421

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit 25-03027

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None

Source of Relief:

None

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

Disability and Disability Rights:

Mobility impairment

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism