Case: Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. U.S. Department of Education

1:25-CV-13244 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Nov. 3, 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 October 31, 2025, the Department of Education promulgated a new Final Rule, effective July 1, 2026, that threatened to strip PSLF eligibility from federal workers and state governments whose work involved a "substantial illegal purpose." On November 3, 2025, Plaintiffs filed this lawsui…

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 October 31, 2025, the Department of Education promulgated a new Final Rule, effective July 1, 2026, that threatened to strip PSLF eligibility from federal workers and state governments whose work involved a "substantial illegal purpose."

On November 3, 2025, Plaintiffs filed this lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the U.S. Department of Education and its Secretary, Linda McMahon. Plaintiffs, a coalition of 21 states and the District of Columbia, sought to challenge the Department's new Final Rule under the Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiffs allege that the final rule is contrary to law and in excess of the defendant’s authority and is arbitrary and capricious.  Plaintiffs asserted that the phrase "substantial illegal purpose" is a pretext designed to afford the Trump Administration license to defund and chill what it deems to be objectionable forms of public service. This includes support for immigrants, gender affirming care, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and political protest. The plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief to invalidate and vacate the proposed Final Rule.

This case was assigned to Judge Myong J. Joun.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Zainab Mustafa (11/16/2025)

Related Cases

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

Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights v. McMahon, District of District of Columbia (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71865482/parties/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-us-department-of-education/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Akers, Nicklas A. (Massachusetts)

Arizona, State of (Massachusetts)

Boughton, Kathryn (Massachusetts)

California, State of (Massachusetts)

Colorado, State of (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant
Attorney for Plaintiff

Akers, Nicklas A. (Massachusetts)

Arizona, State of (Massachusetts)

Boughton, Kathryn (Massachusetts)

California, State of (Massachusetts)

Colorado, State of (Massachusetts)

Columbia, The District (Massachusetts)

Day, David Dana (Massachusetts)

Delaware, State of (Massachusetts)

Doyle, Julia (Massachusetts)

Dulk, Olivia Den (Massachusetts)

Eskandari, Bernard Ardavan (Massachusetts)

Fernandes, Kalikoonalani Diara (Massachusetts)

Franklin, Erica Ruth (Massachusetts)

Fulford, Martha (Massachusetts)

Giovanatti, Neil (Massachusetts)

Hartmann, Leanne E. (Massachusetts)

Hawaii, State of (Massachusetts)

Illinois, State of (Massachusetts)

Ireland, Kiel (Massachusetts)

Island, State of (Massachusetts)

Jamieson, Keith (Massachusetts)

Jersey, State of (Massachusetts)

Kane, Ryan Patrick (Massachusetts)

Kassab, Vanessa L (Massachusetts)

Liston, Ian (Massachusetts)

Maine, State of (Massachusetts)

Maryland, State of (Massachusetts)

Menna, Marisa-Lyn (Massachusetts)

Mexico, State of (Massachusetts)

Minnesota, State of (Massachusetts)

Morrow, Kate Elizabeth (Massachusetts)

Nevada, State of (Massachusetts)

Osborn, Daniel Allen (Massachusetts)

Ping, Daniel John (Massachusetts)

Ranucci, Jessica (Massachusetts)

Roytenberg, Victoria F. (Massachusetts)

Shavit, Yael (Massachusetts)

Skold, Michael (Massachusetts)

Tallarico, Shanna (Massachusetts)

Turi, Michael N. (Massachusetts)

Vermont, State of (Massachusetts)

Walsh, Elizabeth R. (Massachusetts)

Ward-Packard, Samuel (Massachusetts)

Washington, State of (Massachusetts)

Wilson, Caroline E (Massachusetts)

Wisconsin, State of (Massachusetts)

Wolter, Samuel Perry (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-CV-13244

Complaint

Commonwealth of Massachusetts et al. v. U.S. Department of Education

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71865482/commonwealth-of-massachusetts-v-us-department-of-education/

Last updated Dec. 17, 2025, 2:22 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants Filing fee: $ 405, receipt number AMADC-11335261 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State of Arizona, State of California, State of Colorado, State of Connecticut, State of Delaware, State of Hawaii, State of Illinois, State of Maine, State of Maryland, State of Michigan, State of Minnesota, State of Nevada, State of New Jersey, State of New Mexico, State of New York, State of Oregon, State of Rhode Island, State of Vermont, State of Washington, State of Wisconsin, The District of Columbia. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/03/2025)

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael N. Turi on behalf of Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Turi, Michael) (Entered: 11/03/2025)

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

3

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Myong J. Joun assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal. (SEC) (Entered: 11/03/2025)

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

4

NOTICE of Appearance by Yael Shavit on behalf of Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Shavit, Yael) (Entered: 11/03/2025)

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

5

NOTICE of Appearance by Leanne E. Hartmann on behalf of State of Oregon (Hartmann, Leanne) (Entered: 11/03/2025)

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

Notice of Case Assignment

Nov. 3, 2025

Nov. 3, 2025

6

Summons Issued as to Linda McMahon, U.S. Department of Education. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (SP) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

7

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Michael K. Skold Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11338780 by State of Connecticut. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Michael K. Skold)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

8

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Neil Giovanatti, Daniel Ping Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11338930 by State of Michigan. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Daniel Ping, # 2 Certification of Neil Giovanatti)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

9

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Jessica Ranucci, Shanna Tallarico Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11338999 by State of New York. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Shanna Tallarico, # 2 Certification of Jessica Ranucci)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

10

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Michael K. Skold. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

11

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Daniel Ping and Neil Giovanatti. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) Modified on 11/4/2025 (SP). (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

12

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 9 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Jessica Ranucci and Shanna Tallarico. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

13

NOTICE of Appearance by Jessica Ranucci on behalf of State of New York (Ranucci, Jessica) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

14

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Martha U. Fulford, Sam Wolter Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11339547 by State of Colorado. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Sam Wolter, # 2 Certification of Martha U. Fulford)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

15

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Kathryn E. Boughton Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11339598 by State of Arizona. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Kathryn E. Boughton)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

16

NOTICE of Appearance by Neil Giovanatti on behalf of State of Michigan (Giovanatti, Neil) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

17

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Kate E. Morrow Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11339815 by State of Oregon. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Kate E Morrow)(Hartmann, Leanne) (Entered: 11/04/2025)

Nov. 4, 2025

Nov. 4, 2025

18

NOTICE of Appearance by Shanna Tallarico on behalf of State of New York (Tallarico, Shanna) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

Nov. 5, 2025

Nov. 5, 2025

19

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE Executed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All Defendants. Acknowledgement filed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

Nov. 5, 2025

Nov. 5, 2025

20

NOTICE of Appearance by Michael Skold on behalf of State of Connecticut (Skold, Michael) (Entered: 11/05/2025)

Nov. 5, 2025

Nov. 5, 2025

21

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Bernard A. Eskandari, Daniel A. Osborn, Caroline E. Wilson Filing fee: $ 375, receipt number AMADC-11344219 by State of California. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Caroline E. Wilson, # 2 Certification of Daniel A. Osborn, # 3 Certification of Bernard A. Eskandari)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

22

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Sarah J. Gallo, Katharine Roller Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11344291 by State of Illinois. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Sarah J. Gallo, # 2 Certification of Katharine Roller)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

23

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Keith M. Jamieson Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344328 by State of Maryland. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Keith M. Jamieson)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

24

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Olivia den Dulk Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344364 by State of New Mexico. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Olivia den Dulk)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

25

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of K. Brunetti Ireland Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344731 by State of Nevada. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of K. Brunetti Ireland)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

26

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Adam Welle Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344752 by State of Minnesota. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Adam Welle)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

27

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Samuel T. Ward-Packard Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344787 by State of Wisconsin. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Samuel T. Ward-Packard)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

28

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Ryan P. Kane Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11344852 by State of Vermont. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Ryan P. Kane)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

29

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Kalikoonlani D. Fernandes, David D. Day Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11344873 by State of Hawaii. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Kalikoonlani D. Fernandes, # 2 Certification of David D. Day)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

30

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 14 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Martha U. Fulford and Sam Wolter. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

31

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 15 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Kathryn E. Boughton. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

32

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 17 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Kate E. Morrow. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

33

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 21 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Bernard A. Eskandari, Daniel A. Osborn, and Caroline E. Wilson. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

34

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 22 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Sarah J. Gallo and Katharine Roller. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

35

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 23 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Keith M. Jamieson. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

36

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 24 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Olivia den Dulk. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

37

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 25 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Brunetti Ireland. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

38

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Adam Welle. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

39

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 27 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Samuel T. Ward-Packard. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

40

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 28 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Ryan P. Kane. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

41

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 29 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Kaliko'Onalani D. Fernandes and David D. Day. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

42

NOTICE of Appearance by Samuel Perry Wolter on behalf of State of Colorado (Wolter, Samuel) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

43

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Erica R. Franklin, Julia K. Doyle Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11345478 by State of Washington. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Erica R. Franklin, # 2 Certification of Julia K. Doyle)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

44

NOTICE of Appearance by Bernard Ardavan Eskandari on behalf of People of the State of California (Eskandari, Bernard) (Entered: 11/06/2025)

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025

45

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 43 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Erica R. Franklin and Julia Doyle. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

46

NOTICE of Appearance by Caroline E Wilson on behalf of People of the State of California (Wilson, Caroline) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

47

NOTICE of Appearance by Keith Jamieson on behalf of State of Maryland (Jamieson, Keith) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

48

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Marisa-Lyn Menna Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11347538 by State of Rhode Island. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Marisa-Lyn Menna)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

49

NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel John Ping on behalf of State of Michigan (Ping, Daniel) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

50

NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Allen Osborn on behalf of State of California (Osborn, Daniel) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

51

NOTICE of Appearance by Kiel Ireland on behalf of State of Nevada (Ireland, Kiel) (Entered: 11/07/2025)

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 7, 2025

Nov. 7, 2025

52

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 48 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Marisa-Lyn Menna. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/10/2025)

Nov. 10, 2025

Nov. 10, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 10, 2025

Nov. 10, 2025

53

NOTICE of Appearance by Ryan Patrick Kane on behalf of State of Vermont (Kane, Ryan) (Entered: 11/10/2025)

Nov. 10, 2025

Nov. 10, 2025

54

NOTICE of Appearance by Samuel Ward-Packard on behalf of State of Wisconsin (Ward-Packard, Samuel) (Entered: 11/10/2025)

Nov. 10, 2025

Nov. 10, 2025

55

NOTICE of Appearance by Kathryn Boughton on behalf of State of Arizona (Boughton, Kathryn) (Entered: 11/10/2025)

Nov. 10, 2025

Nov. 10, 2025

56

NOTICE of Appearance by Marisa-Lyn Menna on behalf of State of Rhode Island (Menna, Marisa-Lyn) (Entered: 11/14/2025)

Nov. 14, 2025

Nov. 14, 2025

57

NOTICE of Appearance by Nicklas A. Akers on behalf of People of the State of California (Akers, Nicklas) (Entered: 11/16/2025)

Nov. 16, 2025

Nov. 16, 2025

58

NOTICE of Appearance by Olivia Den Dulk on behalf of State of New Mexico (Den Dulk, Olivia) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

59

NOTICE of Appearance by Martha Fulford on behalf of State of Colorado (Fulford, Martha) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

60

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Christina M. Moylan Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11362683 by State of Maine. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Christina M. Moylan)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

61

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 60 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Christina M. Moylan. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

62

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Vanessa L. Kassab, Ian R. Liston Filing fee: $ 250, receipt number AMADC-11364254 by State of Delaware. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Vanessa L. Kassab, # 2 Certification of Ian R. Liston)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

63

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 62 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Vanessa L. Kassab and Ian R. Liston. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

64

NOTICE of Appearance by Erica Ruth Franklin on behalf of State of Washington (Franklin, Erica) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

65

NOTICE of Appearance by Julia Doyle on behalf of State of Washington (Doyle, Julia) (Entered: 11/19/2025)

Nov. 19, 2025

Nov. 19, 2025

66

NOTICE of Appearance by Ian Liston on behalf of State of Delaware (Liston, Ian) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

67

NOTICE of Appearance by Vanessa L Kassab on behalf of State of Delaware (Kassab, Vanessa) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

68

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Elizabeth R. Walsh Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11371467 by State of New Jersey. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Elizabeth R. Walsh)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

69

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 68 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Elizabeth R. Walsh. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (SP) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

70

NOTICE of Appearance by Heidy L Gonzalez on behalf of Linda McMahon, U.S. Department of Education (Gonzalez, Heidy) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

71

NOTICE of Appearance by Kalikoonalani Diara Fernandes on behalf of State of Hawaii (Fernandes, Kalikoonalani) (Entered: 12/04/2025)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

72

NOTICE of Appearance by David Dana Day on behalf of State of Hawaii (Day, David) (Entered: 12/04/2025)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

73

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Lindsay Marks Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11397978 by The District of Columbia. (Attachments: # 1 Certification of Lindsay Marks)(Roytenberg, Victoria) (Entered: 12/04/2025)

Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

74

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 73 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Lindsay Marks. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (SP) (Entered: 12/05/2025)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

75

NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah Jeanne Gallo on behalf of State of Illinois (Gallo, Sarah) (Entered: 12/05/2025)

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

76

NOTICE of Appearance by Adam Welle on behalf of State of Minnesota (Welle, Adam) (Entered: 12/08/2025)

Dec. 8, 2025

Dec. 8, 2025

77

NOTICE of Appearance by Christina Moylan on behalf of State of Maine (Moylan, Christina) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

78

NOTICE of Appearance by Katharine Roller on behalf of State of Illinois (Roller, Katharine) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

79

NOTICE of Appearance by Lindsay Marks on behalf of The District of Columbia (Marks, Lindsay) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

80

NOTICE of Appearance by Elizabeth R. Walsh on behalf of State of New Jersey (Walsh, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/10/2025)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

81

Joint MOTION to Set Briefing Schedule by Commonwealth of Massachusetts, People of the State of California, State of Arizona, State of California, State of Colorado, State of Connecticut, State of Delaware, State of Hawaii, State of Illinois, State of Maine, State of Maryland, State of Michigan, State of Minnesota, State of Nevada, State of New Jersey, State of New Mexico, State of New York, State of Oregon, State of Rhode Island, State of Vermont, State of Washington, State of Wisconsin, The District of Columbia. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Turi, Michael) (Entered: 12/10/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

RECAP
82

Judge Myong J. Joun: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered GRANTING 81 Joint Motion to Set Briefing Schedule. Please see attached. BRIEFING SCHEDULE: Defendants produce Administrative Record by January 12, 2026. Plaintiffs file Motion for Summary Judgment by February 13, 2026. Amicus briefs in support of Plaintiffs, if any by February 24, 2026. Defendants file Consolidated Opposition to Summary Judgment, Motion to Dismiss, and Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment by March 16, 2026. Amicus briefs in support of Defendants, if any by March 23, 2026. Plaintiffs file Consolidated Opposition and Reply by April 6, 2026. Defendants file Reply by April 27, 2026. (SKY) (Entered: 12/11/2025)

Dec. 11, 2025

Dec. 11, 2025

RECAP
83

Appear Pro Hac Vice

Dec. 16, 2025

Dec. 16, 2025

Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Nov. 3, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiffs are a coalition of 21 states and the District of Columbia.

Plaintiff Type(s):

State Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Linda McMahon (District of Columbia), Federal

Department of Education (District of Columbia), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:25-CV-13244

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

Funding

Government services