Case: Soffer v. George Washington University

1:25-cv-01657 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: May 22, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

This case challenged George Washington University (GW) for allegedly permitting and failing to respond to pervasive antisemitism on its campus, particularly after the October 7 attacks, 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 May 22, 2025, two Jewish undergraduate students at GW’s Columbian College…

On May 22, 2025, two Jewish undergraduate students at GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Compliance, Accountability, Policy, Ethics – Ed (CAPE-ED), and four individual CAPE-ED members filed a lawsuit against GW in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs brought claims under Title VI for direct discrimination and hostile educational environment, as well as under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act (D.C. Code Ann. §§ 2-1401.01) and for breach of contract. They sought injunctive relief, a declaratory judgment, damages, and attorneys’ fees. The case was assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan.

In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that GW violated Title VI in two related but distinct ways. First, they claimed GW engaged in direct discrimination by intentionally subjecting Jewish and Israeli students to adverse treatment based on their ethnicity and ancestry. Second, plaintiffs alleged that GW violated Title VI by failing to enforce its policies, allowing a hostile environment to develop and persist for Jewish students, despite being aware of ongoing antisemitic harassment. This conduct allegedly interfered with students’ ability to participate in classes, access campus facilities, and fully engage in university life. Plaintiffs further asserted that these actions violated the D.C. Human Rights Act by restricting access to university programs and benefits, and breached GW’s contractual obligations by not maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory educational environment as promised in its policies.

On July 28, 2025, GW filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. GW argued that plaintiffs did not demonstrate deliberate indifference or a denial of access to educational services. The motion further asserted that the contract claim was based on aspirational policy statements rather than enforceable promises, and that the breach of implied covenant claim failed for the same reason. Additionally, GW contended that plaintiffs lacked standing to seek injunctive relief and that CAPE-ED lacked standing to pursue any form of relief and should have been dismissed.

This case is ongoing.

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Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (3/16/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70345547/parties/soffer-v-george-washington-university/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Torchinsky, Jason Brett (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Delery, Stuart F. (District of Columbia)

Richman, Brian Alan (District of Columbia)

Schwartz, Jason Craig (District of Columbia)

Spencer, Jacob T. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Torchinsky, Jason Brett (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Delery, Stuart F. (District of Columbia)

Richman, Brian Alan (District of Columbia)

Schwartz, Jason Craig (District of Columbia)

Spencer, Jacob T. (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

	Document
1 1:25-cv-01657	Jury Trial Demanded; Complaint	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 Complaint
11 1:25-cv-01657	Defendant the George Washington University's Motion to Dismiss	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief
11-1 1:25-cv-01657	Memorandum in Support of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Soffer v. The George Washington University	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70345547/soffer-v-george-washington-university/

Last updated June 1, 2026, 10:22 a.m.

ECF Number	Description	Date	Link Date / Link
1	COMPLAINT against GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY with Jury Demand ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11709733) filed by SABRINA SOFFER, COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons Summons)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025) 1 Civil Cover Sheet Civil Cover Sheet View on RECAP 2 Summons Summons View on RECAP	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 Clearinghouse
2	SEALED DOCUMENT filed by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER re 1 Complaint, (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025
3	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED (Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 05/22/2025)	May 22, 2025	May 22, 2025 RECAP
4	SUMMONS (1) Issued Electronically as to GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 05/23/2025) 1 View on RECAP	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025
	Case Assigned/Reassigned	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025
	Case Assigned to Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (znmw)	May 23, 2025	May 23, 2025
5	WAIVER OF SERVICE. GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY waiver sent on 5/28/2025, answer due 7/27/2025. (Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 05/29/2025)	May 29, 2025	May 29, 2025 RECAP
6	NOTICE of Appearance by Jason Craig Schwartz on behalf of GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Schwartz, Jason) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025
7	NOTICE of Appearance by Jacob T. Spencer on behalf of GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Spencer, Jacob) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025
8	NOTICE of Appearance by Brian Alan Richman on behalf of GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Richman, Brian) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025
9	NOTICE of Appearance by Stuart F. Delery on behalf of GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Delery, Stuart) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025
10	LCvR 26.1 CERTIFICATE OF DISCLOSURE of Corporate Affiliations and Financial Interests by GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Schwartz, Jason) (Entered: 07/28/2025)	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025
11	MOTION to Dismiss by GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Schwartz, Jason) (Entered: 07/28/2025) 1 Memorandum in Support of Defendant's Motion to Dismiss View on Clearinghouse 2 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	July 28, 2025	July 28, 2025 Clearinghouse
12	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 11 MOTION to Dismiss by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 07/31/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on RECAP	July 31, 2025	July 31, 2025 RECAP
	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions	Aug. 4, 2025	Aug. 4, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' Consent Motion for an Extension of Time 12, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. Plaintiffs shall file their response to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss 11 on or before August 25, 2025; and Defendant shall file its reply on or before September 15, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 8/4/2025. (lclla3)	Aug. 4, 2025	Aug. 4, 2025
13	Memorandum in opposition to re 11 MOTION to Dismiss filed by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 08/25/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Aug. 25, 2025	Aug. 25, 2025 RECAP
14	REPLY to opposition to motion re 11 Motion to Dismiss filed by GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY. (Schwartz, Jason) (Entered: 09/15/2025)	Sept. 15, 2025	Sept. 15, 2025 RECAP
15	NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY by GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Schwartz, Jason) (Entered: 11/04/2025) 1 Exhibit A View on RECAP	Nov. 4, 2025	Nov. 4, 2025 RECAP
16	MOTION for Leave to File Response to Defendants Notice of Supplemental Authority by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 11/13/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Nov. 13, 2025	Nov. 13, 2025 RECAP
	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions	Nov. 17, 2025	Nov. 17, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' unopposed motion for leave to file a response to Defendant's notice of supplemental authority 16, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. Plaintiffs shall file their response on or before December 15, 2025. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 11/17/2025. (lclla3) order type added on 11/17/2025 (mhp)	Nov. 17, 2025	Nov. 17, 2025
17	MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to Defendant's Notice of Supplemental Authority (Dkt. 15) by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 12/10/2025) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Dec. 10, 2025	Dec. 10, 2025 RECAP
	.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines AND ~Util - Terminate Motions	Dec. 12, 2025	Dec. 12, 2025
	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of Plaintiffs' unopposed motion for an extension of time to respond to Defendant's notice of supplemental authority 17, it is hereby ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED and Plaintiffs shall file their response on or before January 14, 2026. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 12/12/2025. (lclla3)	Dec. 12, 2025	Dec. 12, 2025
18	RESPONSE re 15 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY filed by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Torchinsky, Jason) Modified event title on 1/15/2026 (znmw). (Entered: 01/14/2026)	Jan. 14, 2026	Jan. 14, 2026
	.Order AND Order Staying Case	March 30, 2026	March 30, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER: It is hereby ORDERED that this case is STAYED for ten days to allow the assigned judge to assess whether she has a conflict that warrants her disqualification, disclosure to the parties, or other appropriate action. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 03/30/2026. (lclla3)	March 30, 2026	March 30, 2026
	Notice of Hearing	April 6, 2026	April 6, 2026
	NOTICE of Hearing: Status Conference set for 4/20/2026 at 03:00 PM (via Zoom) before Judge Loren L. AliKhan. (mhp)	April 6, 2026	April 6, 2026
	Minute Entry for REMOTE STATUS CONFERENCE held on 4/20/2026 before Judge Loren L. AliKhan: Jason B. Torchinsky present on behalf of Plaintiffs. Jason C. Schwartz and Stuart F. Delery present on behalf of Defendant. For the reasons stated from the bench, the parties shall meet and confer and file a Joint Status Report on or before May 1, 2026. (Court Reporter Janice Dickman)(mhp)	April 20, 2026	April 20, 2026
	1 - Terminate Motion and R&R Deadlines/Hearings AND 1 - Terminate Scheduling Order Deadlines AND 1 - Terminate Trial Management Order Deadlines AND Status Conference AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines	April 21, 2026	April 21, 2026
20	Joint STATUS REPORT by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, ARI SHAPIRO, SABRINA SOFFER. (Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 04/22/2026)	April 22, 2026	April 22, 2026 RECAP
21	Case randomly reassigned to Judge Trevor N. McFadden. Judge Loren L. AliKhan is no longer assigned to the case. (Entered: 04/23/2026)	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
	.Order AND Order Lifting Stay	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
	Case Unstayed	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
	Case Assigned/Reassigned	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
	MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the parties' Joint Status Report 22, it is hereby ORDERED that this case is UNSTAYED and shall be randomly reassigned to another district judge for further proceedings. Signed by Judge Loren L. AliKhan on 4/23/2026. (lclla1)	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
	Case Unstayed. (mhp)	April 23, 2026	April 23, 2026
22	TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Loren L. AliKhan held on April 20, 2026; Page Numbers: 1-7. Date of Issuance: April 24, 2026. Court Reporter: Janice Dickman, Telephone number: 202-354-3267, Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 5/15/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/25/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/23/2026.(Dickman, Janice) (Entered: 04/24/2026)	April 24, 2026	April 24, 2026
23	STANDING ORDER Establishing Procedures for Cases Before Judge Trevor N. McFadden. The parties are hereby ORDERED to read and comply with the directives in the attached standing order. Signed by Judge Trevor N. McFadden on 4/26/2026. (lctnm1). (Entered: 04/26/2026)	April 26, 2026	April 26, 2026 RECAP
24	NOTICE of Appearance by Erin Elizabeth Mersino on behalf of COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED (Mersino, Erin) (Entered: 05/13/2026)	May 13, 2026	May 13, 2026
25	NOTICE of Appearance by Erin Elizabeth Mersino on behalf of SABRINA SOFFER (Mersino, Erin) (Entered: 05/13/2026)	May 13, 2026	May 13, 2026
26	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Joel Oster, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12423124. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED, SABRINA SOFFER. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Mersino, Erin) (Entered: 05/14/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	May 14, 2026	May 14, 2026
27	RESPONSE re 19 NOTICE OF SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITY filed by COMPLIANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, POLICY, ETHICS-ED. (Mersino, Erin) (Entered: 05/18/2026)	May 18, 2026	May 18, 2026
	Notice of Error	May 18, 2026	May 18, 2026
	NOTICE OF ERROR regarding 26 MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Joel Oster, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12423124. Fee Status: Fee Paid.. The following error(s) need correction: Pro Hac Vice motion must be accompanied by a Certificate of Good Standing issued within the last 30 days (LCvR 83.2(c)(2)). Please file certificate as an Errata (mg)	May 18, 2026	May 18, 2026
28	Notice of Withdrawal of Appearance	May 22, 2026	May 22, 2026

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Education

Speech and Religious Freedom

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 22, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two Jewish undergraduate students at GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, and Compliance, Accountability, Policy, Ethics – Ed (CAPE-ED), and four individual CAPE-ED members.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Other

George Washington 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:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-01657

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Education

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Israeli

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Soffer v. George Washington University, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47315/ (last updated 3/16/2026).