Kasle, et al. v. Van Putten, et al. (Sequoia Union High School District) (3:24cv8015) (N.D. Cal.)
Sam and Andrea Kasle and other parents/guardians of Jewish students have filed a complaint against the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD), its officials (including Superintendent Crystal Leach, principals, vice-principals, and…
By Staff Writer · November 1, 2024

Sam and Andrea Kasle and other parents/guardians of Jewish students have filed a complaint against the Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD), its officials (including Superintendent Crystal Leach, principals, vice-principals, and trustees), and certain teachers (including Gregory S. Gruszynski). The complaint alleges that SUHSD has fostered an environment hostile to Jewish students by tolerating and failing to address antisemitism, including antisemitic teaching materials, harassment, and discrimination against Jewish students expressing their beliefs regarding Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. Parents claim SUHSD violated students' rights under Title VI, the First and Fourteenth Amendments, California's Constitution and Education Code. They seek declaratory relief, injunctive relief requiring SUHSD to implement policies addressing antisemitism, terminate certain employees, review curricula, appoint a special master, and damages including attorney's fees.
Important Docket Entries
1 - COMPLAINT against All Defendants (Filing fee $ 405, receipt number ACANDC-20052632.). Filed by Lori Lyle, Andrea Kasle, Sam Kasle, Scott Lyle, Igor Bershteyn, Jennifer Reif, Daniel Rief, Marina Bershteyn, Lisa Joy Rosner, Margarette Kesselman. (All Attachments: Exhibits 1-11) (Filed on 11/15/2024) (Entered: 11/15/2024)
14-Initial Case Management Scheduling Order with ADR Deadlines: Case Management Statement due by 2/12/2025. Initial Case Management Conference set for 2/19/2025 02:00 PM in San Francisco, - Videoconference Only. (msr, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 11/15/2024) (Entered: 11/15/2024)
76 - ANSWER to Complaint by Karen Van Putten, Charles Velschow, Wndy Porter, Gregory S Gruszynski, Karl Losekoot, Crystal Leach, Bonnie Hansen, Todd Beal, Carrie Du Bois, Richard Ginn, Amy Koo, Sathvik Nori, Shawneece Stevenson. (Tunick, William) (Filed on 3/21/2025) (Entered: 03/21/2025)
Related Coverage

CodePink's Social Media Posts Targeting Adas Torah Synagogue Not Protected by First Amendment
Federal Judge Rules CodePink’s Social Media Posts Are Not Protected Speech — Citing “True Threat” to Jewish Synagogue Worshippers June 13, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA In a landmark decision with significant implications for the boundary between…
Staff Writer · June 13, 2025

What the Court SAID and DIDN'T SAY about Liberated Ethnic Studies
Much ado has been made about a recent court decision dismissing a challenge to what is known as the Liberated Ethnic Studies “LES” curriculum. LES supporters are hailing this as a big victory. First, the background on LES: “Liberated…
Mark L. Javitch · December 6, 2024
Karen Fiss v. California College of the Arts - N.D. Cal - Case No. 4:24-cv-03415-HSG
Dr. Karen Fiss, a full professor at California College of the Arts, is suing the institution for employment discrimination based on religion and ethnic origin under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. She alleges that CCA has…
Staff Writer · August 16, 2024