Mohammad A. Halloum v. Northern Arizona University

Summary

The District of Oregon grants Mohammad A. Halloum’s application to proceed in forma pauperis but dismisses his complaint against Northern Arizona University with leave to amend. The court concludes that the complaint does not establish personal jurisdiction or venue in Oregon and fails to state claims under Title IX and 42 U.S.C. § 1983. The court allows Halloum 30 days to file an amended complaint and directs the Clerk not to issue process pending further order.

Holdings

1. Halloum demonstrated that he was unable to pay the cost of commencing the action, so the court granted his application to proceed in forma pauperis.
2. The District of Oregon lacked both general and specific personal jurisdiction over Northern Arizona University based on the allegations in the complaint.
3. Venue was not proper in the District of Oregon because Northern Arizona University did not reside there and the alleged events occurred outside Oregon.
4. The complaint failed to state a Title IX claim because it did not identify the discriminatory conduct, the persons or educational programs involved, or facts showing that the alleged conduct occurred on the basis of sex.
5. The complaint failed to state a Section 1983 claim because Northern Arizona University was not a person subject to suit under Section 1983 and was entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity, and Halloum did not plead intentional discrimination based on membership in a protected class.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Halloum qualified to proceed in forma pauperis.
2. Whether the District of Oregon had general or specific personal jurisdiction over Northern Arizona University.
3. Whether venue was proper in the District of Oregon.
4. Whether the complaint stated a Title IX claim.
5. Whether the complaint stated a claim under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

Disposition

dismissed