Case: Lederer v. The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York

1:25-cv-08703 | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Filed Date: Oct. 21, 2025

Closed Date: Dec. 22, 2025

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Case Summary

This case challenged Columbia University (Columbia) for allegedly failing to prevent pervasive antisemitism on its campus, in violation of federal and state law. 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 October 21, 2025, two Jewish students at Columbia University filed a lawsuit against the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York i…

On October 21, 2025, two Jewish students at Columbia University filed a lawsuit against the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiffs brought claims under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (for both hostile environment and disparate treatment discrimination), New York City Human Rights Law (§§ 8-107, 8-502), and breach of contract based on Columbia’s policies regarding a non-discriminatory environment and safety. They sought declaratory relief, compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees. The case was assigned to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.

In the complaint, the plaintiffs alleged that for nearly two years, Columbia engaged in, condoned, and permitted severe and pervasive assault, harassment, and intimidation against them and other Jewish students based on their Jewish identity. The complaint described repeated antisemitic incidents, including physical assaults, exclusion from campus buildings, and discriminatory harassment and explained that such incidents occurred in connection with campus protests related to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

On December 22, 2025, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the case. The reason for dismissal is unavailable.

The case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Dahlia Gottlieb (8/14/2026)

Madilynn O'Hara (1/7/2026)

Chise Mori (4/17/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71712297/parties/lederer-v-the-trustees-of-columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york/

Judge(s)

Engelmayer, Paul Adam (New York)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bruce, Daniel (New York)

Greene, Susan Lee (New York)

Lienhard, Jonathan (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Tenzer, Gabrielle (New York)

Judge(s)

Engelmayer, Paul Adam (New York)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Bruce, Daniel (New York)

Greene, Susan Lee (New York)

Lienhard, Jonathan (New York)

Torchinsky, Jason Brett (New York)

Attorney for Defendant

Tenzer, Gabrielle (New York)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:25-cv-08703	Complaint Lederer v. The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York	Oct. 21, 2025	Oct. 21, 2025 Complaint
15 1:25-cv-08703	Notice of Voluntary Dismissal with Prejudice Lederer v. The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York	Dec. 22, 2025	Dec. 22, 2025 Pleading / Motion / Brief

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71712297/lederer-v-the-trustees-of-columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york/

Last updated Sept. 2, 2026, 5:02 a.m.

Docket for: Lederer v. The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Oct. 21, 2025	COMPLAINT against The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York. (Filing Fee $ 405.00, Receipt Number ANYSDC-31879479)Document filed by Jonathan Lederer, David Lederer. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit I).(Greene, Susan) (Entered: 10/21/2025) 1 Exhibit Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Exhibit Exhibit B View on PACER 3 Exhibit Exhibit C View on PACER 4 Exhibit Exhibit D View on PACER 5 Exhibit Exhibit E View on PACER 6 Exhibit Exhibit F View on PACER 7 Exhibit Exhibit G View on PACER 8 Exhibit Exhibit H View on PACER 9 Exhibit Exhibit I View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	Oct. 21, 2025	CIVIL COVER SHEET filed..(Greene, Susan) (Entered: 10/21/2025)	RECAP
3	Oct. 21, 2025	REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS as to The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, re: 1 Complaint,. Document filed by David Lederer, Jonathan Lederer..(Greene, Susan) (Entered: 10/21/2025)	RECAP
4	Oct. 22, 2025	ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York..(jgo) (Entered: 10/22/2025)	RECAP
	Oct. 22, 2025	Case Opening Initial Assignment Notice
	Oct. 22, 2025	CASE OPENING INITIAL ASSIGNMENT NOTICE: The above-entitled action is assigned to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. Please download and review the Individual Practices of the assigned District Judge, located at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/judges/district-judges. Attorneys are responsible for providing courtesy copies to judges where their Individual Practices require such. Please download and review the ECF Rules and Instructions, located at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/rules/ecf-related-instructions..(jgo)
	Oct. 22, 2025	Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo is designated to handle matters that may be referred in this case. Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73(b)(1) parties are notified that they may consent to proceed before a United States Magistrate Judge. Parties who wish to consent may access the necessary form at the following link: https://nysd.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/AO-3.pdf. (jgo)
	Oct. 22, 2025	Case Designated ECF. (jgo)
5	Oct. 29, 2025	NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Gabrielle Tenzer on behalf of The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York..(Tenzer, Gabrielle) (Entered: 10/29/2025)	RECAP
6	Oct. 29, 2025	RULE 7.1 CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. No Corporate Parent. Document filed by The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York..(Tenzer, Gabrielle) (Entered: 10/29/2025)	RECAP
7	Oct. 29, 2025	LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time for Defendant to respond to Complaint and for entry of a briefing schedule for any motion to dismiss addressed to Judge Paul A. Engelmayer from Gabrielle E. Tenzer dated October 29, 2025. Document filed by The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York..(Tenzer, Gabrielle) (Entered: 10/29/2025)	RECAP
8	Oct. 30, 2025	MOTION for Jonathan P. Lienhard to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31922724. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by David Lederer, Jonathan Lederer. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing VA, # 4 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 5 Proposed Order Proposed Order).(Lienhard, Jonathan) (Entered: 10/30/2025)	RECAP
9	Oct. 30, 2025	MOTION for Daniel A. Bruce to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31922815. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by David Lederer, Jonathan Lederer. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Proposed Order Proposed Order).(Bruce, Daniel) (Entered: 10/30/2025)	RECAP
10	Oct. 30, 2025	MOTION for Jason B. Torchinsky to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31923570. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by David Lederer, Jonathan Lederer. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing VA, # 4 Proposed Order Proposed Order).(Torchinsky, Jason) (Entered: 10/30/2025)	RECAP
11	Oct. 30, 2025	ORDER granting in part and denying in part 7 Letter Motion for Extension of Time. GRANTED IN PART. Defendant's deadline to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint, including by filing any motion to dismiss, is extended to December 22, 2025. If defendant moves to dismiss, the Court expects to issue, consistent with its ordinary practice, an amend-or-oppose order that allows plaintiffs, within 21 days of that motion, to amend their complaint or, alternatively, to oppose the motion. No further opportunities to amend will ordinarily be granted. If plaintiffs choose to amend, defendant will, within 21 days of the filing of the amendedcomplaint: (1) answer; (2) file a new motion to dismiss; or (3) file a letter stating that it relies on the previously filed motion to dismiss. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on 10/30/2025) (tg) (Entered: 10/30/2025)	RECAP
	Oct. 30, 2025	Notice Regarding Pro Hac Vice Motion
	Oct. 30, 2025	>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 8 MOTION for Jonathan P. Lienhard to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31922724. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (rju)
	Oct. 30, 2025	>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 9 MOTION for Daniel A. Bruce to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31922815. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (rju)
	Oct. 30, 2025	Set/Reset Deadlines: The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York answer due 12/22/2025. (tg)
	Oct. 30, 2025	>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 10 MOTION for Jason B. Torchinsky to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-31923570. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff.. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (rju)
12	Oct. 31, 2025	ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 8 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The motion of Jonathan P. Lienhard, for admission to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above captioned action is granted. As further set forth by this Order. (Signed by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on 10/31/2025) (tg) (Entered: 10/31/2025)	RECAP
13	Oct. 31, 2025	ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 9 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The motion of Daniel A. Bruce, for admission to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above captioned action is granted. As further set forth by this Order. (Signed by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on 10/31/2025) (tg) (Entered: 10/31/2025)	RECAP
14	Oct. 31, 2025	ORDER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE granting 10 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The motion of Jason B. Torchinsky, for admission to practice Pro Hac Vice in the above captioned action is granted. As further set forth by this Order. (Signed by Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on 10/31/2025) (tg) (Entered: 10/31/2025)	RECAP
15	Dec. 22, 2025	NOTICE OF VOLUNTARY DISMISSAL pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the plaintiff(s) and or their counsel(s), hereby give notice that the above-captioned action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice against the defendant(s) The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York. Document filed by Jonathan Lederer, David Lederer. Proposed document to be reviewed and processed by Clerk's Office staff (No action required by chambers)...(Greene, Susan) (Entered: 12/22/2025)	Clearinghouse

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Case Details

State / Territory:

New York

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Education

Special Collection(s):

Title VI Anti-Palestinian/Antisemitism cases

Key Dates

Filing Date: Oct. 21, 2025

Closing Date: Dec. 22, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Two Jewish students at Columbia University

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

Columbia University in the City of New York

Defendant Type(s):

College/University

Facility Type(s):

Non-government non-profit

Case Details

Causes of Action:

State Anti-Discrimination Law

State law

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

Other Dockets:

Southern District of New York 1:25-cv-08703

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Non-settlement Outcome

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Defendant

Relief Sought:

Relief Granted:

Source of Relief:

None

Amount Defendant Pays: 0

Issues

General/Misc.:

Assault/abuse by residents/inmates/students

Education

Racial segregation

School/University Facilities

School/University policies

Discrimination Area:

Discipline

Disparate Treatment

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Affected Religion(s):

Judaism

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of Lederer v. The Trustees of Columbia University In The City of New York, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47629/ (last updated 4/17/2026).