Harriram v. City University of New York

Background

Priya Harriram brings a pro se action, meaning she is representing herself, against the City University of New York, Lehman College, Susan E. Ebersole, and Bridget Barbera. She alleges discrimination based on race and national origin under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The court also construed her factual allegations as asserting related state-law claims.

The court had previously granted Harriram permission to proceed in forma pauperis, meaning without paying the filing fee. In such cases, the court and the U.S. Marshals Service can carry out service of the summons and complaint.

Order Regarding Service

The court directed the Clerk of Court to complete U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return forms, issue summonses, and provide the Marshals Service with the documents necessary to serve the City University of New York, Lehman College, Susan E. Ebersole, and Bridget Barbera.

The court explained that service must be completed within 90 days after the summonses are issued. If service is not completed by then, Harriram should request an extension of time. The court also directed Harriram to notify it in writing if her address changes and stated that the action may be dismissed if she fails to do so.

Disposition

Judge Ronnie Abrams ordered the Clerk to mail Harriram an information package, issue the summonses, complete the service forms with the listed addresses, and deliver the documents to the U.S. Marshals Service. This was an order about service of process, not a decision on the merits of Harriram’s discrimination claims.