The Story So Far

The table below includes a chronological listing of media coverage, legal documents, and statements from students, alumni, staff, faculty, administration, and Board of Trustees members regarding LGBTQ+ discrimination at SPU.

DateMedia CoverageLegal DocumentsSPU Students, Alumni, Staff, and FacultyBoard of Trustees & Administration
3/10/23The Falcon. Week-long exploration of ‘Queer Stories.’
3/8/23The Falcon. “Remembering forgotten history.”

The Falcon.Accreditation approaches.
3/2/23Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Stipulation and order of dismissal of plaintiff Patrick McDonald
Prof. Joshua Tom. “SPU is ours.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
3/1/23A History of Queer Activism at SPU
2/23/23Prof. Brittany Tausen. “If not here, where?
2/19/23FOX 13. “‘It has nothing to do with our religion’; SPU students await lawsuit decision.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/17/23The Falcon. “No decision yet on motion to dismiss.”

KUOW. “SPU trustees ask judge to dismiss LGBTQ hiring lawsuit.”
Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Hearing (Audio recording & transcript)

Clerk’s minutes
2/16/23Prof. Traynor Hansen. “Every action has a reaction.”
2/15/23The Falcon. “First Guillot v. Whitehead hearing draws near.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/13/23Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Second Declaration of Matthew Whitehead

Second Declaration of Dean Kato

Second Declaration of Mark Mason

Second Declaration of Pete Menjares

Defendants’ Reply in Support of Motion for Expedited Relief
2/10/23The Falcon. Finding community in chaos.”
2/8/23Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Praecipe to Declaration of Paul Southwick

Praecipe to Declaration of Kevin Neuhouser
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/7/23The Falcon. Opposition brief filed.”
2/6/23Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Opposition to defendants’ motions

Declaration of Alexander Booker

Declaration of Cambria Babbitt

Declaration of Carlene Brown

Declaration of Carlie Curlee

Declaration of Chloe Guillot

Declaration of Isabel Bartosh

Declaration of Jill Heiney-Smith

Declaration of Kristi Holt

Declaration of Laur Lugos

Declaration of Lynette Bikos

Declaration of Nikka Dellosa

Declaration of Patrick McDonald

Declaration of Rae Perez

Declaration of Reena Sidhu

Declaration of Sara Koenig

Declaration of Kevin Neuhouser

Declaration of Paul Southwick
2/2/23Prof. Kevin Neuhouser. “Signs of welcome should not be considered divisive or polarizing.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/31/23Public notice – Accreditation
1/30/23Inside Higher Ed.Seattle Pacific Removes Pride Flags from Campus.”
1/27/23The Falcon. Welcome to the culture wars.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/26/23The Falcon. Seattle Pacific University announces new president.”
1/18/23The Falcon. SPU faculty receive buyout options.”
1/12/23Prof. Rick Steele. “Would I stay if I could?
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/9/23Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit)

Mediation order
1/6/23The Falcon.SPU files appeal.”
12/28/22KNKX Public Radio. Students and faculty unite to change anti-LGBTQ policies at Seattle Public University.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
12/9/22Religion News Service. SPU board members seek dismissal of lawsuit over LGBTQ exclusion.”
12/7/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit)

Mediation order
12/5/22AP News.LGBTQ students wrestle with tensions at Christian colleges.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
12/2/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (Washington Western District Court)

Taxation of costs

Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit)

Mediation questionnaire
11/30/22John’s Newsletter. It’s time for Christian Universities to end the LGBTQ fights.”Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Amended notice of court date

Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (Washington Western District Court)

Transcript order form
11/28/22Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Notice of hearing

Defendants’ motion for expedited relief

Declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor

Declaration of Pete Menjares

Declaration of Dean Kato

Declaration of Mark Mason

Declaration of Matthew Whitehead
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
11/25/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson (U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit)

Docketing letter and briefing schedule

Notice to all parties and counsel

Mediation letter

Case opening packet
11/23/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Seattle Pacific University’s notice of appeal
11/17/22Inside Higher Ed. Anti-LGBTQ+ Hiring Policies Prompt Lower Bond Rating for SPU.”Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Stipulation on special motions
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
11/15/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Defendant’s motion to tax costs

Attachment: Proposed taxation of costs

Declaration of Daniel Jeon in support of defendant’s motion to tax costs

Bill of costs
11/11/22John’s Newsletter. Another Update on Christian Universities.”
11/7/22HR Dive. Court declines to block investigation into university’s alleged LGBTQ discrimination.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
11/2/22Real Change. Make it so.”Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Order granting motion for limited admission
11/1/22Update and statements on dismissal of SPU’s lawsuit against attorney general
10/27/22MyNorthwest. “SPU lawsuit dismissed, investigation into LGBTQ+ discrimination continues.”

Inside Higher Ed. Judge Rejects Suit by Seattle Pacific Over State Probe.”

Religion News Service.Judge dismisses SPU lawsuit aimed at halting probe into university’s hiring practices.”
Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Transcript order form
Prof. Kevin Neuhouser. “Wounded in body and soul.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/26/22Courthouse News Service.Judge tosses Seattle Pacific University suit over Washington’s anti-LGBT hiring probe.”

Washington State Office of the Attorney General. “AG Ferguson: Judge dismisses Seattle Pacific University’s lawsuit to stop Attorney General inquiry into discrimination complaints.”

The Falcon. “Not above the law.”

KING 5. “Seattle Pacific University’s lawsuit dismissed as discrimination investigation continues.”

The Seattle Times. “SPU lawsuit against WA AG dismissed by federal judge.”

KIRO 7. “Investigation into discrimination complaints at SPU to go on after judge dismisses lawsuit.”

FOX 13. “AG: Federal judge rejects SPU lawsuit to block anti-LGBTQ investigation.”

KHQ. “Federal ruling allows AG Ferguson to continue investigating reported discrimination at SPU.”
Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Notice of appearance

Order granting motion and dismissing case

Civil judgment

Transcript order form

Hearing transcript
10/25/22Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Amended complaint

Certificate of service
10/24/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Order setting time limits
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/17/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Order extending initial discovery deadlines
10/14/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Defendant’s reply in support of its motion to dismiss first amended complaint
10/13/22The Falcon. “Walking out and coming out

Baptist News Global. “Seattle Pacific University in governance turmoil as trustees resign and a group of students, faculty and staff sue to unseat six other trustees
Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Stipulated motion to extend initial discovery deadlines


Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Notice of additional appearance

Certificate of e-service
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/11/22Yahoo News. “LGBTQ students at religious schools stage walkouts on National Coming Out DaySeattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Plaintiff’s brief in opposition to defendant’s motion to dismiss

Attachment: Proposed order denying defendant’s motion to dismiss


Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Acceptance of service

Certificate of e-service

Defendant’s notice of intent to file special motion(s)
10/10/22Religion News Service. “Students across country walk out, allege LGBTQ discrimination at religious schools
10/7/22Religion News Service. “Are the culture wars changing how Christian students choose colleges?Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Notice of appearance

Notice of appearance
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/6/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Application for leave to appear pro hac vice
Prof. Jeffrey Overstreet. “To strengthen the things that remain.”
9/28/22The Forward. “As Pride club takes on Yeshiva University, LGBTQ students at other religious colleges take notice.”
9/26/22Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Declaration of service
SPU Faculty Council, NWCCU Accreditation Complaint Regarding Board Governance at Seattle Pacific University
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
9/22/22Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Certificate of service

Notice of court date

Motion for limited admission
9/21/22The Falcon. “Lawsuit filed as SPU lands worst list
9/20/22Advocate. “Seattle Pacific Staffer Comes Out Amid Lawsuit Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
9/16/22The Seattle Times. Seattle Pacific University staffer tells Christian campus: ‘I am a lesbian’Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Defendant’s motion to dismiss first amended complaint

Attachment: Proposed order granting defendant’s motion to dismiss
9/14/22KIRO 7. “Seattle Pacific University students, staff and faculty file complaint against Board of Trustees.”
9/13/22The Seattle Times. “Seattle Pacific University is imploding, lawsuit argues.”

The Falcon. “First day outcries.”

The Falcon. “Controversy continues.”

Inside Higher Ed.Seattle Pacific Trustees Sued Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Hiring Policy.”

NPR. “Seattle Pacific University leaders are sued for anti-LGBTQ hiring practices.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education. A Religious University Is ‘Imploding’ Thanks to Its Anti-LGBTQ Hiring Policy, Lawsuit Says.”

KUOW. “Seattle Pacific University trustees sued by students and faculty.”

Higher Ed Dive. “Lawsuit seeks ouster of Seattle Pacific trustees, interim president over anti-LGBTQ hiring policy.”

Insight in Diversity. “Students, Staff Sue Seattle Pacific University Trustees Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Hiring Policies.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
9/12/22AP News. “Faculty, students sue Christian school over LGBTQ hiring ban.”

Sojourners.Students, faculty sue to stop trustees from ‘destroying’ Seattle Pacific University.”
Guillot et al v. Whitehead et al

Complaint

Order setting civil case schedule

Case information cover sheet

Summons

Ex parte motion


Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Order on motion to dismiss
Lawsuit
9/8/22Religion News Service. Nearly 200 religious colleges deemed ‘unsafe’ for LGBTQ students by Campus Pride.”

Campus Pride. “Worst List: The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth.”
9/2/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

First amended complaint

Attachment: Exhibit A – Re: Employment Practices at Seattle Pacific University

Attachment: Exhibit B – Statement on Human Sexuality

Attachment: Exhibit C – Re: Seattle Pacific University

Attachment: Exhibit D – Attorney General Ferguson confirms civil rights investigation of Seattle Pacific University
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
8/23/22Religion News Service. Washington state seeks dismissal of SPU’s suit claiming religious rights violations.”
8/21/22SPU Faculty Action

Op-ed in The Seattle Times. “At SPU, a struggle between competing visions of Christianity.”
8/18/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Notice of appearance

Defendant’s motion to dismiss (Attachment: Proposed order granting defendant’s motion to dismiss)
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
8/16/22Insight into Diversity. LGBTQ+ Students Lead the Charge for Equal Rights at Religious Colleges and Universities.”Misrepresenting Seattle Pacific’s Reasons for Suing Its State
8/8/22HR Dive. “Seattle Pacific University says state attorney general’s investigation into hiring policies violates religious rights.”
8/5/22Sojourners. Under Investigation for Discrimination, Seattle Pacific University Sues.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
8/4/22Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Declaration of service

Notice of appearance
8/3/22Real Change. “SPU attempts to stop state’s investigation of university’s hiring practices.”
8/2/22NBC News. “Washington state probes Christian university’s anti-LGBTQ employment policy.”
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
8/1/22Inside Higher Ed. Seattle Pacific Sues Washington AG.”
7/30/22The Seattle Times. “Seattle Pacific University Sues WA Attorney General, Saying Probe into LGBTQ+ Policies Violates Religious Freedom.”
 
7/29/22KING 5. “Seattle Pacific University Files Lawsuit as AG Investigates Policy Prohibiting Staff from Same-Sex Activity.”

CNN. “Seattle Pacific University under Investigation for Anti-LGBTQ Hiring Policy, State AG Confirms.”

KOMO News. “AG Ferguson’s Office Confirms Civil Rights Investigation into Seattle Pacific University.”

FOX 13. “Attorney General Opens Civil Rights Investigation into Seattle Pacific University, SPU Sues in Return.”

KUOW. Washington AG Investigating Seattle Pacific University for Potential Discrimination.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education. “A Private University Drew a State Investigation for Its Anti-LGBTQ Policy. So It’s Suing.”

Inside Higher Ed. “Seattle Pacific Sues Washington AG.”
   
Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Minute order regarding discovery and depositions

Order regarding initial disclosures, joint status report, and early settlement

Case/IFP deficiency letter

Notice of appearance
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
7/28/22Religion News Service. “Seattle Pacific University Sues Washington State over Probe into LGBTQ Exclusion.”
Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Summons in a civil action
 Update on legal actions
7/27/22 Seattle Pacific University v. Robert Ferguson

Complaint

Plaintiff’s corporate disclosure statement

Application for leave to appear pro hac vice 1

Application for leave to appear pro hac vice 2
 
7/21/22Sojourners. “Protests, Pride Flags, Lawsuits: Inside a Christian University’s Fight for LGBTQ Inclusion.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
7/12/22The Lawrence Times. “New KU Endowment President Left West Coast University That’s Been Criticized for Anti-LGBTQ Policies.”
  
7/11/22Seventeen. “Chloe Guillot and Pamela Styborski Fight Back Against Their College’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Hiring Policy.”
  
7/6/22The Chronicle of Higher Education. “This University Upheld Its Anti-LGBTQ Policy. Students and Faculty Say It’s Time to Change.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
7/2/22Religion News Service. “Students at Seattle Pacific University End Sit-in, Plan to Sue over LGBTQ Exclusion.”
  
6/23/22The Washington Post. “They Protested with Pride Flags at Graduation. Their Fight Isn’t Over.”
  
6/20/22Religion News Service. “Seattle Pacific University Students Continue Sit-in after Viral Graduation Protest.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
6/16/22USA Today. “Pride-Flag Protest at Christian University Graduation Part of Larger Social Movement.”

Teen Vogue. “Students Protested Their University’s Anti-LGBTQ Policy With Pride Flags at Graduation.”
  
6/15/22CNN. “Graduating Students at Seattle Pacific University Gave Pride Flags to Their Interim President during a Commencement Ceremony to Protest Anti-LGBTQ Hiring Policy.”

KOMO News. “Graduation Video Goes Viral as Seattle Pacific University Students Protest Same-Sex Policy.”
  
6/14/22The Guardian. “The Students Staging a Sit-in for LGBTQ+ Rights at a Christian University.”

KIRO 7. “SPU Grads Protest Anti-LGBTQ+ Policy by Handing Pride Flags to University President at Graduation.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
6/13/22KING 5. “Seattle Pacific University Students Hand President Pride Flags Instead of Shaking His Hand at Graduation.”

FOX 13. “LGBTQ Students, Allies Go Viral with Act of Defiance at SPU Graduation.”

The Seattle Times. “Graduating Students Give SPU Interim President Pride Flags, Protesting Anti-LGBTQ+ Policy.”
  
6/9/22FOX 13. “Sit-in over Anti-LGBTQ Policy Surpasses 300 Hours at SPU.”

KIRO 7. “Protest over Seattle Pacific University’s Lifestyle Policy Continues after Two Weeks.”
  
6/8/22Inside Higher Ed. “The Board of Trustees vs. Everyone.”
Washington State Attorney General’s investigation of SPU

Re: Employment Practices at Seattle Pacific University
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
6/4/22  SPU Faculty Senate – Resolution on the Third Way 
6/1/22KUOW. ‘This Doesn’t Feel like Love’: SPU Students Sit-in for LGBTQ Equality on Campus.”
  
5/30/22NPR. “Students Protest against a Seattle University’s Ban on Hiring LGBTQ Employees.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/27/22The Falcon. Discussed.”
  Board of Trustees leadership announcements
5/26/22KUOW. “Students and Staff Protest Seattle Pacific University’s Ban on LGBTQ Employees.”

The Falcon. Abolish the Board of Trustees.”
 
  
5/24/22KING 5. SPU Student Walkout Protests University’s Policy on Employee Sexuality.”

The Falcon. Protests Proceed.”
  Announcement of Town Hall with SPU Board of Trustees members
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/23/22The Falcon. Decided.”
  Board of Trustees reaches decision on Employee Lifestyle Expectations
5/20/22The Falcon. Protest on the Stairs.”
  
5/19/22 The Falcon. “LGBTQIA+ Joy and Frustration.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/18/22 The Falcon. Campus Community Wrestles with next Steps.”
  
5/13/22The Falcon. Reconciliation Report.”
  
5/10/22  Seattle Pacific University LGBTQIA+ Workgroup Report (Access restricted to SPU employees) Regarding LGBTQIA+ Work Group Report to the Board
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/6/22 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Stipulation and agreed order of dismissal
 
5/5/22 The Falcon. Settled.”
  
5/4/22The Falcon. Sexual Shame on Christian Campuses.”
  Update on legal matter
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/3/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Stipulation and order vacating summary judgment order
 
5/2/22 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Stipulated motion to vacate summary judgment order

Declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in support of stipulated motion to vacate summary judgment

Notice of court date
 
4/15/22LGBTQIA+ Work Group Update
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
3/2/22The Falcon. Creating Space for All People.”
  Update from the LGBTQIA+ Work Group
2/18/22 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Stipulation and order consolidating cases
 
2/16/22 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Notice of court date

Stipulated motion to consolidate
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/14/22Voices of Campus Questionnaire on LGBTQIA+ student experiences at SPU – Research presentation (video & slides)
Update from the LGBTQIA+ Work Group
1/26/22The Falcon. SPU Creates Work Group to Find LGBTQIA+ Resolution.”
  
1/12/22The Falcon. Setting the Stage.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/11/22LGBTQIA+ Work Group Update
1/5/22 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Order granting in part and denying in party plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment & order denying defendant’s motion for summary judgment
 
12/22/21New working groups for 2022
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
12/17/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Clerk’s minutes

Audio recordings of the hearing:
Zoom session part 1

Zoom session part 2

Cross motion for summary judgment HEARING

Cross motion for summary judgment RULING
 
12/14/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Praecipe to declaration of Jéaux Rinedahl in support of plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment
 
12/13/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

SPU’s reply in support of motion for summary judgment

Plaintiff’s reply in support of motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Daniel Kalish in support of plaintiff’s reply in support of plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
12/6/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Daniel Kalish in support of plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Jéaux Rinedahl in support of plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Seattle Pacific University’s response to plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment

Second declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in support of defendant’s reply RE motion for summary judgment

Second declaration of Laura C. Hartley in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment
 
12/3/21Follow up from Wednesday’s campus meetings
11/21/21The Falcon. Queerly Christian.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
11/19/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Notice of court date

Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Dan Kalish in support of plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Jéaux Rinedahl in support of plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Raedene P. Copeland in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Laura C. Hartley in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Elizabeth E. Ishihara in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Jeffrey C. Jordan in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Jennifer L. McKinney in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Shirley A. Mullen in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of David R. Nienhuis in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Matthew H. Whitehead in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Erla K. Champ-Gibson in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Declaration of Pete C. Menjares in support of defendant’s motion for summary judgment

Notice of court date

Defendant’s motion for summary judgment
 
11/10/21The Falcon. Listening and Learning.”

The Falcon. SPU Makes It onto Nationwide ‘Worst List.’
  
11/3/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Notice of unavailability
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
11/2/21The Falcon. New Year, New Lawsuit.”
  
10/25/21NBC News. “‘Worst List’ Names 180 Colleges That Are ‘Unsafe’ for LGBTQ Students.”
  
10/18/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Defendant’s answer and affirmative defenses to amended complaint
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/12/21The Falcon. Motion Granted.”

The Falcon. SPU Comes Out…again.
  
  
10/11/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Order continuing trial and amending case schedule

Order amending case schedule
 
10/7/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Second declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in support of defendant’s motion to continue trial date

Defendant’s reply in support of motion to continue trial date
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/6/21The Falcon. Rinedahl Objects to ‘Delay Tactics.’

The Falcon. Chapel Talk Takes Unexpected Turn.”
  
10/5/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion to continue

Declaration of Dan Kalish in support of plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion to continue

Declaration of Jéaux Rinedahl in support of plaintiff’s opposition to defendant’s motion to continue
 
10/4/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Order granting plaintiff’s motion to amend the complaint
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
10/2/21The Falcon. ASSP Calls for Public Action.”
  
9/30/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Plaintiff’s reply in support of motion to amend complaint for damages
 
9/29/21The Falcon. Consulting Crisis in Times of Transition.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
9/28/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Defendant’s response to plaintiff’s motion for leave to amend complaint

Declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in opposition to plaintiff’s motion for leave to amend complaint

Defendant’s motion to continue trial date

Declaration of Nathaniel L. Taylor in support of defendant’s motion to continue trial date

Declaration of Laura Hartley in support of defendant’s motion to continue trial date

Notice of court date
 
9/22/21The Falcon. LGBTQIA+ Demonstration on First Day of Classes.”
  
9/21/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Plaintiff’s motion for leave to amend the complaint for damages
 
DateMediaLegalSPU Community
9/7/21Board Consultant Update”
9/1/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Notice of court date 1

Notice of court date 2

Notice of court date 3
 
8/24/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Jury demand
 
DateMediaLegalBoard & AdministrationBoard & Administration
6/28/21Puget Sound Business Journal. “Seattle Pacific University Names Interim President.”
  Interim President Announcement
5/28/21The Falcon. Religious Exemption Not an Excuse to Exclude LGBTQ+ Community.”
  
5/26/21The Falcon. Faculty Creates Task Force.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/22/21The Falcon. ASSP-Endorsed Measures May Reduce Funds for Programs and Clubs.”
  
5/21/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Stipulated protective order

Confirmation of joinder
 
5/7/21The Falcon. Prayer For Our Divided Community.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/6/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Order on reassignment
SPU Faculty Senate – Resolution to Create Faculty Task Force 
5/5/21The Seattle Times. “SPU Should Listen and Be Transparent about LGBTQ Policies.”
  
5/4/21The Seattle Times. “SPU Can Atone for Harmful History by Embracing LGBTQ Community.”
Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Order to change judge
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
5/3/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Plaintiff’s motion and declaration to change judge
 
4/28/21The Falcon. BoT to President to Provost to Faculty.”

The Falcon. ASSP Senate Responds to BoT Decision with Call to Action Letter.”
 
  
4/27/21The Falcon. Board Responds to Faculty Vote of No Confidence.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
4/25/21The Falcon. Community Gathers in Tiffany Loop to Protest Statement on Human Sexuality.”
  
4/23/21The Seattle Times. “SPU Must Confront a Hiring Policy That Discriminates Based on Sexual Orientation.”
  
4/22/21 Inside Higher Ed. “Seattle Pacific Faculty at Odds With Board Over LGBTQ Policy.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
4/21/21The Falcon. Professor Rinedahl Reacts to Board of Trustees Announcement.”

The Seattle Times. “Seattle Pacific University Faculty Votes ‘No Confidence’ in Leadership after Board Upholds Discriminatory Hiring Policy.”
  
4/20/21The Falcon. Faculty Release Statement of No Confidence in Board of Trustees.

Religion News Service. Seattle Pacific University Faculty Vote No Confidence in Board over LGBTQ Exclusion.”
  
4/19/21The Falcon. SPU Students and Faculty Gather for Candlelight Vigil.”
 SPU Faculty Senate – Statement of No Confidence in the Board of Trustees
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
4/17/21The Falcon. New Sanctions against the Board of Trustees.”

The Falcon. No Confidence Vote to Occur over Weekend.”

KIRO 7. “Students Protest Seattle Pacific University Policies after Discrimination Lawsuit.
  
4/16/21KING 5. “Seattle Pacific University Students and Faculty Protest Anti-LGBTQ Hiring Policy.”
  
4/15/21The Falcon. Provost Responds to Concerns over Board of Trustees Decision to Maintain Hiring Policy, Statement on Human Sexuality.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
4/14/21The Falcon. “Faculty Sends Swift Rebuke to Board of Trustees.”
  
4/13/21  The Falcon. No Change in Human Sexuality Statement.”

The Falcon. Student Groups Give Board of Trustees May 1 Deadline to Remove Hateful Language.”
  
4/9/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Defendant’s Answer and Affirmative Defenses
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
4/6/21Inside Higher Ed. “Religious Freedom vs. Freedom From Discrimination.”
  
4/2/21The Falcon.SPU Mentioned in Title IX Class Action Suit.”
  
3/30/21Resignation announcement from President Martin
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
3/4/21 Hunter et al. v. U.S. Department of Education

Class Action Complaint
 
3/3/21The Falcon.Board Debates Human Sexuality Statement.”
  
2/17/21The Falcon.Community Responds to Hartley’s Town Hall.
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/16/21The Falcon.Provost Answers Senators’ Questions about Statement on Human Sexuality.”
  
2/14/21The Falcon.Faculty and Staff Take Action.”
  
2/12/21The Falcon. SPU Faculty, Staff Letter of Lament.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/11/21  SPU Staff & Faculty – Letter of Lament
2/9/21The Falcon.Senate Makes a Statement.”
  
2/3/21The Falcon.Examining All Angles of Lawsuit.”

The Falcon.SPU’s Relationship with the Free Methodist Church.”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
2/1/21  Associated Students of Seattle Pacific – Letter to Board of Trustees
1/28/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Acceptance of service

Certificate of e-service
 
1/20/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Notice of appearance
 
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/19/21The Falcon. “Professor Rinedahl Discusses Lawsuit.”
  
1/16/21The Falcon. SPU Comes Out.”
  
1/15/21The Seattle Times. “Nursing Professor Sues Seattle Pacific University, Says He Was Denied Full-Time Job ‘Because He’s Not Heterosexual.’”
  
DateMediaLegalSPU CommunityBoard & Administration
1/14/21SPU statement on Rinedahl lawsuit
1/12/21The Falcon. Nursing Professor Sues SPU for Discrimination.”
  
1/11/21 Rinedahl v. Seattle Pacific University

Complaint for damages and other relief

Order setting civil case schedule

Case information cover sheet and area designation

Summons
 
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