6:25-cv-01136
M.D. Fla.Aug 19, 2025Background
- Plaintiff Lenorris Eugene Hardy, Sr., a former student at Strayer University and U.S. Army veteran, sued Strayer University, LLC and administrator Karl McDonnell, proceeding pro se.
- Plaintiff alleged that after being put on probation or suspension for incomplete grades in 2016, he entered into two agreements with university staff concerning his academic status and graduation requirements.
- The complaint asserts that Plaintiff graduated in 2020 but did not receive the promised “A” grades, causing him inability to enroll in law school and economic harm.
- Defendants filed motions to dismiss all claims as time-barred under a four-year statute of limitations, and moved to stay discovery pending resolution of the dismissal motion.
- Plaintiff did not respond to the motion to stay discovery.
- The Court noted Plaintiff’s unprofessional litigation behavior and ruled on the motion to stay discovery.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether discovery should be stayed | Not specifically briefed | Claims are time-barred; discovery unnecessary | Stay granted pending resolution of motion to dismiss |
| Whether claims are time-barred | Claims arise from agreements through 2020 | Statute of limitations expired; latest possible injury in 2020 | Claims appear time-barred |
| Possibility of amending complaint | (not briefed) | Deficiencies are incurable | Leave to amend not required |
| Effect of plaintiff’s conduct | (not briefed) | Plaintiff’s conduct increases costs | Stay also warranted due to aggressive/unprofessional conduct |
Key Cases Cited
- Woodham v. Am. Cystoscope Co. of Pelham, N.Y., 335 F.2d 551 (5th Cir. 1964) (court may adjudicate unopposed motions based on the papers before it)
- Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662 (2009) (judges use common sense and judicial experience in construing complaints)
- Isaiah v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, 960 F.3d 1296 (11th Cir. 2020) (complaints need not negate affirmative defenses unless apparent on the face)
- Woldeab v. Dekalb Cnty. Bd. of Educ., 885 F.3d 1289 (11th Cir. 2018) (leave to amend not required if deficiencies cannot be cured)