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Turkish student who criticized Israel can resume research at Tufts after visa revoked, judge rules
A federal judge has allowed a Tufts University student from Turkey to resume research and teaching while she deals with the consequences of having her visa revoked by the Trump administration, leading to six weeks of detention.
Academic society bans Larry Summers for life over ties to Jeffrey Epstein
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers was banned for life on Dec. 2 from an academic society in the latest fallout over recently released emails showing he maintained a friendly relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after the disgraced financier pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Teacher’s civil rights suit over ‘Gender Queer’ moves forward
A federal judge allows a former Massachusetts teacher’s civil rights and defamation claims against police to proceed after an investigation over “Gender Queer.”
1st Circuit finds for MIT in first campus protest free speech case
The 1st Circuit ruled MIT was not liable under Title VI for antisemitic protests, reaffirming strong First Amendment protections on campus.
Teacher shot by student wins $10M verdict against ex-administrator
A Virginia jury awarded $10 million to teacher Abby Zwerner, who was shot by a 6-year-old student after school officials ignored gun warnings.
Education – Contract – Veterinary program
Where a plaintiff was dismissed from the defendant university’s veterinary program, a grant of summary judgment in favor of the university should be reversed in part, as the plaintiff presented a material dispute of fact on his breach of contract claim.
SJC requesting amicus briefs in posted cases
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is seeking amicus briefs in cases involving zoning, housing, bodycams, foster care, eminent domain, and SORB rules.
Education – Harassment – Deliberate indifference
Where a Title VI claim was brought alleging that the defendant Massachusetts Institute of Technology failed to take sufficient action to curtail a surge of anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian student protests, the dismissal of that claim should be affirmed because (1) the allegations do not plausibly rise to the level of actionable harassment required by Title VI and (2) MIT was not deliberately indif[...]
MIT’s rejection of vague university compact seen as right call
MIT declined a Trump administration “compact” offering grant benefits, citing vague terms, First Amendment risks, and potential legal liabilities.
MIT president says she ‘cannot support’ proposal to adopt Trump priorities for funding benefits
The president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said on Oct. 10 that she “cannot support” a White House proposal that asks MIT and eight other universities to adopt President Donald Trump's political agenda in exchange for favorable access to federal funding.
Education – Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
Where a complaint was filed after the bodies of people who donated their remains for research purposes were stolen and sold, a judgment dismissing the complaint must be affirmed in part and reversed in part, as the plaintiffs alleged sufficient facts to plausibly suggest that the defendant university and a codefendant individual, but not a third defendant, failed to act in good faith as required b[...]
Trump says his administration is close to reaching a deal with Harvard University
President Donald Trump said on Sept. 30 that his administration was close to reaching a deal with Harvard University, which it has targeted with a series of investigations and billions of dollars in funding cuts as it presses for changes to its policies and governance.
Verdicts & Settlements
- Injury during baby’s adenoidectomy leads to stroke
- Construction worker’s hand caught in cement mixer
- Worker trapped in freezer, dies during steam cleaning
- Pedestrian, 69, hit by motor vehicle while in crosswalk
- Four-vehicle pileup leaves driver with spinal cord injury
- Nursing home staff blamed for kidney-failure death
- Pharmacy’s late delivery blamed for patient’s death
- Man, 25, drowns after swimming lesson at fitness club
Opinion Digests
- Jurisdiction – Forum selection clause – Non-signatory
- Criminal – Responsibility
- Attorneys – Lien
- Landlord and tenant – Default judgment
- Zoning – Constructive grant – Comprehensive permit
- Fraud – False Claims Act – Settlement share
- Civil practice – Discovery – Cybersecurity
