Ursuline College et al. v. Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC")
| Ohio Northern District Court | |
| Judge: | David A Ruiz |
| Case #: | 1:26-cv-01498 |
| Nature of Suit | 448 Civil Rights - Education |
| Cause | 28:1331 Federal Question: Other Civil Rights |
| Case Filed: | Jul 01, 2026 |
| Last checked: Saturday Aug 15, 2026 4:12 AM EDT |
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Defendant
Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC")
200 S. Meridian Street Suite 343
Indianapolis, IN 46225 |
Represented By
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Plaintiff
Gannon University
109 West Sixth Street
Erie, PA 16541 |
Represented By
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Plaintiff
Ursuline College
2550 Lander Road
Pepper Pike, OH 44124 |
Represented By
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| Docket last updated: 09/18/2026 11:59 PM EDT |
| Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | ||
| 31 | 31
transc
Transcript - Official Court Transcript filed by Court Reporter
Tue 09/15 3:48 PM
Transcript of Preliminary Injunction Hearing held on 8/6/2026 before Judge David A. Ruiz. To obtain a copy of this transcript please contact court reporter Heather K. Newman at heather_newman@ohnd.uscourts.gov. [348 pages] Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Parties requesting that privacy information be redacted must file a notice of intent to redact with the court by 9/22/2026. Redaction Request due 10/6/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 10/16/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 12/14/2026. (N,H) |
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| Friday, September 11, 2026 | ||
| 30 | 30
1
pgs
motion
Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim
Fri 09/11 8:55 PM
Motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim filed by Defendant Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). Related document(s)1 .(Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
Brief in Support
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| Wednesday, September 09, 2026 | ||
| 29 | 29
oth_doc
Transcript Request (non-appeal)
Wed 09/09 10:31 AM
Expedited Non-Appeal Transcript Order Form for proceedings held on 08/06/26 before Judge David A. Ruiz, re19 Motion Hearing,,,. Court Reporter: Heather Newman. Requested completion date: 09/16/26 filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. Related document(s)19 . (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Tuesday, September 08, 2026 | ||
| 28 | 28
oth_doc
Transcript Request (non-appeal)
Tue 09/08 10:54 AM
Expedited Non-Appeal Transcript Order Form for proceedings held on 08/06/26 before Judge David A. Ruiz, re19 Motion Hearing,,,. Court Reporter: Heather Newman. Requested completion date: 09/15/26 filed by Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). Related document(s)19 . (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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| Friday, September 04, 2026 | ||
| 27 | 27
4
pgs
oth_ans
Brief
Fri 09/04 6:50 PM
Brief in response to plaintiffs' brief re jurisdiction over Title IX claim filed by Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). Related document(s)23 . (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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| 26 | 26
oth_ans
Response/Reply/Sur-Reply
Fri 09/04 1:10 PM
Plaintiffs' Response to G-MAC's Brief Regarding Jurisdiction Over Title IX Claim filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. Related document(s)24 . (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Thursday, September 03, 2026 | ||
| 25 | 25
notice
Notice (atty event)
Thu 09/03 12:37 PM
Plaintiffs; Notice of Filing Hearing Exhibits filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Friday, August 21, 2026 | ||
| 24 | 24
oth_ans
Brief
Fri 08/21 3:53 PM
Brief re jurisdiction over Title IX claim filed by Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
Exhibit A (PPP forgiveness notice)
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| 23 | 23
5
pgs
oth_ans
Brief
Fri 08/21 2:21 PM
Brief in Support of This Court's Jurisdiction Over Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Thursday, August 13, 2026 | ||
| 22 | 22
2
pgs
order
Order
Thu 08/13 2:00 PM
Stipulated Scheduling Order regarding Briefing on Jurisdiction. Each party shall file its initial brief addressing the Court's federal question jurisdiction over Plaintiffs' Title IX claim on or before 8/21/2026. Each party may file a response brief addressing the opposing party's initial brief on or before 9/4/2026. Absent leave of Court, no further briefing on this issue shall be permitted. Judge David A. Ruiz on 8/13/2026. Related document21 (G,CA) |
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| 21 | 21
notice
Stipulation (atty event)
Thu 08/13 11:07 AM
Proposed Stipulation Regarding Briefs on Jurisdiction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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order
Order on Motion for extension of time to answer
Thu 08/13 2:08 PM
Order [non-document] granting Defendant's20 Unopposed Motion for extension of time until 9/11/2026 to respond to complaint. Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC") answer due 9/11/2026. Judge David A. Ruiz on 8/13/2026. (G,CA) |
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| Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | ||
| 20 | 20
motion
Extension (answer complaint)
Wed 08/12 7:03 AM
Unopposed Motion for extension of time until September 11, 2026 to answer filed by Defendant Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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| Friday, August 07, 2026 | ||
| 19 | 19
1
pgs
minutes
Motion Hearing
Fri 08/07 1:23 PM
Minutes of proceedings and Order before Judge David A. Ruiz. The Court held a preliminary injunction hearing on this 8/6/2026. Dr. David King and Cynthia McKnight testified on behalf of Plaintiffs, and Thomas Daeger on behalf of Defendant. Various exhibits were introduced into evidence. The Court ordered the parties to confer and propose a briefing schedule on the issue of federal court jurisdiction. If the parties cannot agree on a timeline by Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Court will hold a status conference to set one. The Court defers ruling on the injunction until the briefing on jurisdiction has been completed. (Court Reporter: Heather Newman.) Time: 9 hours, 16 minutes. Related document(s)2 . (H,Ch) |
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| Tuesday, August 04, 2026 | ||
| 18 | 18
resp
Reply
Tue 08/04 2:29 PM
Reply in support of9 Motion for temporary restraining order Motion for preliminary injunction filed by All Plaintiffs. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Monday, August 03, 2026 | ||
| 17 | 17
notice
Notice (atty event)
Mon 08/03 10:56 AM
Notice of Filing Corrected Exhibits 19 and 20 filed by Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC").Related document(s)14 .(Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
Exhibit 19 (Jan. 28, 2026 email to Ursuline),
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Att: 2
Exhibit 20 (Feb. 9, 2026 letter from Ursuline)
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| 16 | 16
5
pgs
resp
Response
Mon 08/03 8:57 AM
Response to15 Motion to vacate August 6, 2026 hearing on plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction and to rule on the papers filed by All Plaintiffs. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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order
Order on Motion to vacate
Mon 08/03 2:32 PM
Order [non-document] Defendant's15 Motion to vacate the hearing on Plaintiffs' [2, 9] motion for preliminary injunction and motion to rule on the papers is denied. The hearing will proceed as scheduled on 8/6/2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 18A. Judge David A. Ruiz on 8/3/2026. (H,Ch) |
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| Friday, July 31, 2026 | ||
| 15 | 15
4
pgs
motion
Vacate
Fri 07/31 10:57 AM
Motion to vacate August 6, 2026 hearing on plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction and to rule on the papers filed by Defendant Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). Related document(s)10 . (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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| Thursday, July 30, 2026 | ||
| 14 | 14
resp
Opposition
Thu 07/30 8:23 PM
Opposition to9 Motion for temporary restraining order Motion for preliminary injunction filed by Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC").(Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
Affidavit of Thomas G. Daeger,
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Att: 2
Affidavit of Dr. Thomas White,
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Att: 3
Exhibit 1-7,
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Att: 4
Exhibit 8-1 to 8-3,
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Att: 5
Exhibit 9 to 14,
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Att: 6
Exhibit 15 to 21,
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Att: 7
Exhibit 22 to 26,
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Att: 8
Exhibit 27 (G-MAC Indiana Secretary of State Registration),
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Att: 9
Exhibit 28 (Crain's Cleveland Business article, 7/13/26)
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| Friday, July 24, 2026 | ||
| 13 | 13
service
Return of Service Executed
Fri 07/24 2:13 PM
Return of Service by Clerk by certified mail executed upon Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC") on 7/22/2026, filed on behalf of Ursuline College; Gannon University Related document(s)4 . (B,E) |
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| Friday, July 17, 2026 | ||
| 12 | 12
6
pgs
oth_doc
Affidavit/Declaration (atty event)
Fri 07/17 4:05 PM
Affidavit/Declaration of Cindy McKnight ISO Exhibits for PI Hearing filed by Ursuline College. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| 11 | 11
oth_doc
Affidavit/Declaration (atty event)
Fri 07/17 4:03 PM
Affidavit/Declaration of Dr. David King filed by Ursuline College. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | ||
| 10 | 10
minutes
~Util - Terminate Motions 1 - Terminate Hearings Order
Wed 07/15 3:45 PM
Scheduling Order : In accordance with the parties' agreements, the Court HEREBY GRANTS Defendant's6 Motion and ORDERS: The hearing on the Motion for Preliminary Injunction is continued from its original date of 7/20/2026 at 9:00 a.m. to 8/6/2026 at 9:00 a.m. Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion shall be filed on or before 7/30/2026. Plaintiffs' Reply Memorandum shall be filed on or before 8/4/2026. Judge David A. Ruiz on 7/15/2026. (E,CK) |
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| Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | ||
| 9 | 9
motion
Temporary Restraining Order
Tue 07/14 11:10 AM
Motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College.(DeSaussure, Hilary) |
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Att: 1
Exhibit G-MAC Letter to Ursuline College (10-8-25),
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Att: 2
Exhibit Gannon University Post-Merger Structure,
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Att: 3
Exhibit Ursuline Letter to G-Mac (4-20-26),
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Att: 4
Exhibit Affidavit of Dr. David King,
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Att: 5
Exhibit G-Mac Letter to Ursuline College (10 8-2025 ,
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Att: 6
1 pgs
Exhibit Summer Recruiting for 27's,
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Att: 7
2 pgs
Exhibit Principles for Merger Review
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oth_evt
Notice of Hearing or Conference
Tue 07/14 3:24 PM
IMPORTANT: Notice [non-document]: Telephonic status conference set for 7/14/2026 at 3:30 PM is cancelled. (G,CA) |
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| Monday, July 13, 2026 | ||
| 8 | 8
1
pgs
minutes
Status Conference
Mon 07/13 6:29 PM
Minutes of proceedings before Judge David A. Ruiz. Telephonic Status Conference with counsel held on 7/13/2026. The Court had extensive discussions concerning the underlying case allegations and posture. Counsel are to meet and confer to determine the scope of the preliminary injunction hearing, the evidence to be presented, and the time needed for the hearing. The Court will reconvene the telephonic status conference on 7/14/2026 at 3:30 p.m. Conferencing instructions to be emailed to counsel. (Court Reporter: n/a.) Time: 1 hour, 26 minutes. (G,CA) |
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| Friday, July 10, 2026 | ||
| 7 | 7
resp
Response
Fri 07/10 11:15 AM
Response to6 Motion to continue deadline to oppose motion for preliminary injunction and July 20, 2026 hearing filed by All Plaintiffs.(Duncan, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
Exhibit Minute Order,
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Att: 2
Exhibit July 8 2026 emails
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oth_evt
Service by Clerk
Fri 07/10 10:15 AM
Service by Clerk. Summons and Complaint addressed to Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC") placed in U.S. Mail. Type of service: certified mail. Receipt # 9589 0710 5270 2617 4011 16. (D,AG) |
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minutes
~Util - Set Hearings Order
Fri 07/10 10:20 AM
Order [non-document]: The Court hereby Stays Defendant's deadline to oppose Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction until further order. Counsel are ordered to meet and confer in good faith to try to reach an agreement to resolve the Defendant's6 Motion to Continue. The Court will conduct a Telephonic Status Conference with counsel for each side on Monday July 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Conference instructions will be issued to counsel. Judge David A. Ruiz on 7/10/2026. (H,Ch) |
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| Thursday, July 09, 2026 | ||
| 6 | 6
motion
Continue
Thu 07/09 10:04 PM
Motion to continue deadline to oppose motion for preliminary injunction and July 20, 2026 hearing filed by Defendant Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). (Cavanagh, Matthew) |
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| Thursday, July 02, 2026 | ||
| 5 | 5
minutes
~Util - Set Motion Deadlines ~Util - Terminate Motions Minute Order _ Status Conference
Thu 07/02 9:40 AM
Minute Order of Telephonic Status Conference held before Judge Donald C. Nugent on July 2, 2026. Attorney Matthew Duncan appeared for the Plaintiffs. Attorney Todd Shumaker appeared for Defendant. Parties advised the Court on the issues presented in Plaintiffs'2 Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction. Plaintiffs'2 Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order is hereby DENIED. G-MAC is hereby granted leave to respond to Plaintiffs'2 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. A response is due no later than July 13, 2026. Plaintiffs may file a reply no later than July 17, 2026. Preliminary Injunction Hearing set for July 20, 2026 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 18A before Judge David A. Ruiz. IT IS SO ORDERED. Judge Donald C. Nugent on 7/2/2026. (Court Reporter: None) Time: 30 minutes (M,S) |
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| Wednesday, July 01, 2026 | ||
| 4 | 4
oth_evt
Summons Issued
Wed 07/01 8:27 AM
Original Summons and Magistrate Consent Form issued to counsel for service upon Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC").. (H,Ch) |
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Att: 1
2 pgs
Magistrate Consent Form
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| 3 | 3
oth_doc
Proposed Order
Wed 07/01 8:01 AM
Proposed Order Temporary Restraining Order filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. Related document(s)2 . (Duncan, Matthew) |
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| 2 | 2
motion
Temporary Restraining Order Preliminary Injunction
Wed 07/01 7:56 AM
Motion for temporary restraining order and Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Gannon University, Ursuline College. Related document(s)1 .(Duncan, Matthew). Added Motion for preliminary injunction on 7/1/2026 (H,Ch). |
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Att: 1
2 pgs
Affidavit of Dr. David King
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23
pgs
cmp
Complaint
Wed 07/01 7:45 AM
Verified Complaint for Breach of Contract, Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction, and Other Relief against Great Midwest Athletic Conference ("G-MAC"). Filing fee paid $ 405, Receipt number AOHNDC-13750986. Filed by Ursuline College, Gannon University. (Duncan, Matthew) |
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Att: 1
2 pgs
Civil Cover Sheet,
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Att: 2
1 pgs
Summons,
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Att: 3
1 pgs
Exhibit A - Letter regarding merger,
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Att: 4
17 pgs
Exhibit B - Constitution of G-MAC,
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Att: 5
16 pgs
Exhibit C - Bylaws of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference,
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Att: 6
1 pgs
Exhibit D - GMAC letter to Ursuline
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utility
Add and Terminate Judge
Wed 07/01 8:25 AM
Judge David A. Ruiz assigned to case. (H,Ch) |
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oth_evt
Random Assignment of Magistrate Judge
Wed 07/01 8:26 AM
Random Assignment of Magistrate Judge pursuant to Local Rule 3.1. In the event of a referral, case will be assigned to Magistrate Judge Reuben J. Sheperd. (H,Ch) |
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oth_evt
Notice of Hearing or Conference
Wed 07/01 10:57 AM
Order [non-document] Status Conference re2 set for 7/2/2026 at 08:00 AM to be held telephonically before Judge Donald C. Nugent. The parties should contact one another and initiate a joint call to the Court at the scheduled time. IT IS SO ORDERED. Judge Donald C. Nugent on 7/1/2026. Related document(s)2 . (M,S) |
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