Knowles v. Bard College

Background

On June 21, 2024, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The order does not describe the underlying claims or the agreement’s terms.

Court’s Action

The court canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party. The clerk was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

The parties could apply to reopen the case within 30 days, but the application had to show good cause for keeping the case open despite the settlement. The order stated that a request filed after 30 days or without a showing of good cause could be denied on that basis alone.

If the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction—that is, authority to enforce their settlement—they had to submit the settlement agreement and request an order expressly retaining that authority within the same 30-day period.

Class Allegations

The court directed the clerk to remove from the caption the language stating that Carlton Knowles sued individually and on behalf of others similarly situated. Because the parties had not notified the court that they intended to follow Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e), the court stated that the dismissal and any settlement operated only between Knowles and Bard College. They did not bind absent putative class members.

Disposition

Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed the case with prejudice, without costs or attorneys’ fees to either party, canceled the scheduled proceedings, terminated the open motions, and directed the clerk to close the case.