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Case TitleLibit v. United States Military Academy et al
DistrictSouthern District of New York
CityWhite Plains
Case Number7:2023cv00845
Date Filed2023-02-01
Date ClosedOpen
JudgeJudge Kenneth M. Karas
PlaintiffDaniel Libit
Case DescriptionDaniel Libit, a sports journalist, submitted a FOIA request to the U.S. Military Academy for records concerning the NCAA Financial Services Report for West Point. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request. The agency denied the request telling Libit that the West Point Athletic Association was not an agency under FOIA. Libit filed an administrative appeal. WPAA responded the next day, contending again that it was not subject to FOIA. Libit then filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Agency - Federal, Adequacy - Search, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantUnited States Military Academy
DefendantArmy West Point Athletic Association
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
Complaint attachment 2
Complaint attachment 3
Complaint attachment 4
Complaint attachment 5
Complaint attachment 6
Complaint attachment 7
Complaint attachment 8
Complaint attachment 9
Complaint attachment 10
Complaint attachment 11
Complaint attachment 12
Complaint attachment 13
Complaint attachment 14
Complaint attachment 15
Complaint attachment 16
Complaint attachment 17
Complaint attachment 18
Complaint attachment 19
Opinion/Order [19]
Opinion/Order [21]
Opinion/Order [23]
Opinion/Order [26]
Opinion/Order [28]
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2023-02-011COMPLAINT against ARMY WEST POINT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, United States Military Academy. (Filing Fee $ 402.00, Receipt Number ANYSDC-27280615)Document filed by Daniel Libit. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit AWPAA Registration Statement, # 2 Exhibit AWPAA Form 1023, # 3 Exhibit West Point FOIA Request, # 4 Exhibit West Point Response, # 5 Exhibit AWPAA FOIA Request, # 6 Exhibit AWPAA Response, # 7 Exhibit West Point Administrative Appeal, # 8 Exhibit April 4 2022 Correspondence, # 9 Exhibit Second West Point FOIA Request, # 10 Exhibit Template FOIA Request, # 11 Exhibit West Point Response, # 12 Exhibit AWPAA Response, # 13 Exhibit Third West Point FOIA Request, # 14 Exhibit West Point Response, # 15 Exhibit Second West Point Administrative Appeal, # 16 Exhibit West Point Response, # 17 Exhibit West Point Response, # 18 Exhibit Third West Point Administrative Appeal, # 19 Exhibit West Point Response).(Schulz, David) (Entered: 02/01/2023)
2023-02-012REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS as to United States Military Academy, re: 1 Complaint,,,. Document filed by Daniel Libit..(Schulz, David) (Entered: 02/01/2023)
2023-02-013REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF SUMMONS as to Army West Point Athletic Association, re: 1 Complaint,,,. Document filed by Daniel Libit..(Schulz, David) (Entered: 02/01/2023)
2023-02-014CIVIL COVER SHEET filed..(Schulz, David) (Entered: 02/01/2023)
2023-02-02***NOTICE TO ATTORNEY REGARDING PARTY MODIFICATION. Notice to attorney David A. Schulz. The party information for the following party/parties has been modified: ARMY WEST POINT ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION. The information for the party/parties has been modified for the following reason/reasons: party name was entered in all caps. (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-02***NOTICE TO ATTORNEY REGARDING CIVIL. CASE OPENING STATISTICAL ERROR CORRECTION: Notice to attorney David A. Schulz. The following case opening statistical information was erroneously selected/entered: County code Orange. The following correction(s) have been made to your case entry: the County code has been modified to New York. (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-02CASE OPENING INITIAL ASSIGNMENT NOTICE: The above-entitled action is assigned to Judge Kenneth M. Karas. 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 . .(sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-02Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause is so designated. 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 . (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-02Case Designated ECF. (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-025ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to United States Military Academy. (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-02-026ELECTRONIC SUMMONS ISSUED as to Army West Point Athletic Association. (sj) (Entered: 02/02/2023)
2023-03-017AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE (FOIA CASE). United States Military Academy served on 2/15/2023, answer due 3/17/2023. Service was made by Mail. Document filed by Daniel Libit..(Schulz, David) (Entered: 03/01/2023)
2023-03-018AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE. Army West Point Athletic Association served on 2/15/2023, answer due 3/8/2023. Service was made by Mail. Document filed by Daniel Libit..(Schulz, David) (Entered: 03/01/2023)
2023-03-069FIRST LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Mikhail A. Shah dated March 6, 2023. Document filed by Army West Point Athletic Association..(Shah, Mikhail) (Entered: 03/06/2023)
2023-03-0610ORDER: granting 9 Letter Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 9 FIRST LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer. addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Mikhail A. Shah dated March 6, 2023. Granted. SO ORDERED. Army West Point Athletic Association answer due 3/31/2023. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 3/05/2023) (ama) (Entered: 03/06/2023)
2023-03-1511NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Elizabeth J. Kim on behalf of United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/15/2023)
2023-03-1512LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time for the Government to Respond to the Complaint addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Elizabeth J. Kim dated March 15, 2023. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/15/2023)
2023-03-1613ORDER granting 12 Letter Motion for Extension of Time. Granted. So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 3/15/23) (yv) (Entered: 03/16/2023)
2023-03-16Set/Reset Deadlines: United States Military Academy answer due 4/17/2023. (yv) (Entered: 03/16/2023)
2023-03-2314LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Mikhail Shah dated March 23, 2023. Document filed by Army West Point Athletic Association..(Shah, Mikhail) (Entered: 03/23/2023)
2023-03-2315ORDER: granting 14 Letter Motion for Extension of Time to Answer re 14 LETTER MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer. addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Mikhail Shah dated March 23, 2023. Granted, but there will be no further such extensions. SO ORDERED. Army West Point Athletic Association answer due 4/17/2023. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 3/23/2023) (ama) (Entered: 03/23/2023)
2023-04-1716ANSWER to 1 Complaint,,,. Document filed by Army West Point Athletic Association..(Shah, Mikhail) (Entered: 04/17/2023)
2023-04-1717ANSWER to 1 Complaint,,,. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/17/2023)
2023-04-2518CALENDAR NOTICE: Please take notice that the above captioned action has been scheduled for an initial conference before the Honorable Kenneth M. Karas, United States District Judge, on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Counsel shall submit a proposed case management and discovery schedule via ECF by 5 :00 p.m. on the evening before the initial conference. NOTICE OF TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION: Counsel shall call the following number at the designated time: Meeting Dial-In Number (USA toll-free): (888) 363-4749, Access Code: 7702195. Please enter the conference as a guest by pressing the pound sign(#). So Ordered. ( Initial Conference set for 5/11/2023 at 02:30 PM before Judge Kenneth M. Karas.) (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 4/24/23) (yv) (Entered: 04/25/2023)
2023-05-0519NOTICE OF TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION. For the week of May 8, 2023, the Court will hold all civil conferences, hearings, and/or oral arguments in the above-numbered Action by telephone. Counsel shall call the following number at the designated time: Meeting Dial-In Number (USA toll-free): (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7702195. Please enter the conference as a guest by pressing the pound sign (#). SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 5/5/23) (yv) (Entered: 05/05/2023)
2023-05-0920JOINT LETTER MOTION to Adjourn Conference addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Elizabeth J. Kim dated May 9, 2023. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 05/09/2023)
2023-05-0921ORDER granting 20 Letter Motion to Adjourn Conference. Granted. The 5/11/23 conference is adjourned to 6/1/23, at 10:00 So Ordered. ( Initial Conference set for 6/1/2023 at 10:00 AM before Judge Kenneth M. Karas.) (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 5/9/23) (yv) (Entered: 05/09/2023)
2023-05-2522FILING ERROR - DEFICIENT DOCKET ENTRY - MOTION for Kelsey R. Eberly to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-27790573. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Daniel Libit. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit in support of motion, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of good standing, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of good standing, # 4 Text of Proposed Order Proposed order granting motion).(Eberly, Kelsey) Modified on 5/25/2023 (dsh). (Entered: 05/25/2023)
2023-05-25>>>NOTICE REGARDING DEFICIENT MOTION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE. Notice to RE-FILE Document No. 22 MOTION for Kelsey R. Eberly to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Filing fee $ 200.00, receipt number ANYSDC-27790573. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. .. The filing is deficient for the following reason(s): missing Certificate of Good Standing from The Supreme Court of California;. Re-file the motion as a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice - attach the correct signed PDF - select the correct named filer/filers - attach valid Certificates of Good Standing issued within the past 30 days - attach Proposed Order.. (dsh) (Entered: 05/25/2023)
2023-05-2623NOTICE OF TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION. For the week of May 29, 2023, the Court will hold all civil conferences, hearings, and/or oral arguments in the above-numbered Action by telephone. Counsel shall call the following number at the designated time: Meeting Dial-In Number (USA toll-free): (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7702195. Please enter the conference as a guest by pressing the pound sign (#). For initial conferences, counsel shall submit a proposed case management and discovery schedule via ECF by 5 p.m. on the evening before the initial conference. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 5/26/23) (yv) (Entered: 05/26/2023)
2023-05-2624NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Jennifer Ann Borg on behalf of Daniel Libit..(Borg, Jennifer) (Entered: 05/26/2023)
2023-05-3025JOINT LETTER MOTION to Adjourn Conference addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Elizabeth J. Kim dated May 30, 2023. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 05/30/2023)
2023-05-3126ORDER granting 25 Letter Motion to Adjourn Conference. Granted. The conference is adjourned to 6/21/23, at 10:30. So Ordered. Initial Conference set for 6/21/2023 at 10:30 AM before Judge Kenneth M. Karas. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 5/30/2023) (rro) (Entered: 05/31/2023)
2023-06-1427MOTION for Kelsey R. Eberly to Appear Pro Hac Vice . Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. Document filed by Daniel Libit. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit in support of motion, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of good standing, # 3 Exhibit Certificate of good standing, # 4 Text of Proposed Order Proposed order granting motion).(Eberly, Kelsey) (Entered: 06/14/2023)
2023-06-14>>>NOTICE REGARDING PRO HAC VICE MOTION. Regarding Document No. 27 MOTION for Kelsey R. Eberly to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Motion and supporting papers to be reviewed by Clerk's Office staff. The document has been reviewed and there are no deficiencies. (va) (Entered: 06/14/2023)
2023-06-1628NOTICE OF TELECONFERENCE INFORMATION: For the week of June 19, 2023, the Court will hold all civil conferences, hearings, and/or oral arguments in the above-numbered Action by telephone. Counsel shall call the following number at the designated time: Meeting Dial-In Number (USA toll-free): (888) 363-4749 Access Code: 7702195. Please enter the conference as a guest by pressing the pound sign (#). Given that much of the Court is operating remotely and has limited mail capability, counsel involved in any pro se cases shall mail a copy of this Notice to or otherwise inform the pro se party of the above teleconference information. Counsel in any pro se inmate cases shall ensure that the pro se party is on the line before calling the above-referenced number. For initial conferences, counsel shall submit a proposed case management and discovery schedule via ECF by 5 p.m. on the evening before the initial conference. Any requests for adjournments should be filed as soon as possible and clearly explain why the conference should be adjourned. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 6/16/2023) (tg) (Entered: 06/16/2023)
2023-06-2029PROPOSED STIPULATION AND ORDER. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 06/20/2023)
2023-06-2030STIPULATION AND ORDER ON CONSENT. NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby stipulate and agree that: AWPAA will search for records within its custody and control that are responsive to the Requests addressed to AWPAA as if it were subject to FOIA, and produce responsive, nonexempt records, and will consult with USMA or refer records or requests to USMA for processing as appropriate, pursuant to a production schedule to be agreed upon by the Parties. In response to future FOIA requests addressed to it, by any party, AWPAA will similarly search for responsive records within its custody and control, produce responsive, nonexempt records, as if it were subject to FOIA and all of its procedures, such as the time limits imposed by FOIA, and will consult with USMA or refer records or requests to USMA for processing as appropriate, and will do so unless and until AWPAA or a successor organization obtains a judicial declaration that it is not an agency within the meaning of FOIA. AWPAA reserves its right to seek such a judicial declaration, upon notice to Libit or his counsel, in the future. USMA will search the records within its custody and control that are responsive to the Requests addressed to USMA, and will consult with AWPAA or refer records or requests toAWPAA for processing as appropriate, and produce responsive, non-exempt records, pursuant to aproduction schedule to be agreed upon by the Parties; After the productions of responsive records are complete, the Parties will promptlymeet and confer to determine whether any issues remain for litigation, and if so, propose aschedule for briefing to the Court on any unresolved issues; The Court will retain jurisdiction over the above-captioned case pending the resolution of any unresolved issues.The Parties are directed to provide a status report by 7/20/23. So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 6/20/23) (yv) (Entered: 06/20/2023)
2023-06-2131ORDER granting 27 Motion for Kelsey R. Eberly to Appear Pro Hac Vice. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 6/20/2023) (ate) (Entered: 06/21/2023)
2023-07-2032STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 07/20/2023)
2023-07-2133MOTION for Kelsey R. Eberly to Withdraw as Attorney . Document filed by Daniel Libit. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Affidavit in support of motion).(Eberly, Kelsey) (Entered: 07/21/2023)
2023-07-2534MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 32 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT : Granted. So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 7/25/23) (yv) (Entered: 07/25/2023)
2023-07-2535MEMO ENDORSED ORDER granting 33 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. ENDORSEMENT: SO ORDERED. (Attorney Kelsey Rinehart Eberly terminated.) (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 7/25/23) (yv) (Entered: 07/25/2023)
2023-08-1736LETTER addressed to Judge Kenneth M. Karas from Elizabeth J. Kim dated August 17, 2023 re: Request to adjust the United States Military Academy's production schedule for the period ending on August 18, 2023. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/17/2023)
2023-08-1737MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 36 Letter Request to adjust the United States Military Academy's production schedule for the period ending on August 18, 2023, filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT : Granted. SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 8/17/23) (yv) (Entered: 08/17/2023)
2023-09-1838STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 09/18/2023)
2023-09-2139MEMO ENDORSEMENT: on re: 38 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: SO ORDERED. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 9/19/2023) (ama) (Entered: 09/21/2023)
2023-11-1440STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
2023-11-1541MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 40 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 11/15/23) (yv) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
2024-01-1242STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 01/12/2024)
2024-01-1643MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 42 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT : So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 1/15/24) (yv) (Entered: 01/16/2024)
2024-03-1544STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/15/2024)
2024-03-1845MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 44 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 3/18/24) (yv) (Entered: 03/18/2024)
2024-05-1446STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 05/14/2024)
2024-05-1547MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 46 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 5/15/24) (yv) (Entered: 05/15/2024)
2024-07-1548STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 07/15/2024)
2024-07-1849MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 48 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 7/18/24) (yv) (Entered: 07/18/2024)
2024-09-1350STATUS REPORT. Document filed by United States Military Academy..(Kim, Elizabeth) (Entered: 09/13/2024)
2024-09-1851MEMO ENDORSEMENT on re: 50 Status Report filed by United States Military Academy. ENDORSEMENT: So Ordered. (Signed by Judge Kenneth M. Karas on 9/17/24) (yv) (Entered: 09/18/2024)
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