A heated legal battle is unfolding in New York as two students allege that their rights were violated by a prominent educational institution. On November 12, 2025, Jordon Groom and Grant Peterson filed a complaint in the Eastern District of New York against Nassau Community College (NCC) and several of its employees, including Maria P. Conzatti, David Oyero, Charmian Smith, and Craig Wright. The plaintiffs claim that their constitutional rights were infringed upon following a series of events tied to their roles within the college’s student government.
The lawsuit details how Groom and Peterson, both residents of Nassau County, found themselves at odds with NCC after engaging in what they believed was protected speech under the First Amendment. According to the complaint, Peterson had filed a formal discrimination complaint on November 6, 2024, which was dismissed by NCC on January 22, 2025. This dismissal came with disciplinary actions against both plaintiffs without due process or an opportunity for appeal. The plaintiffs argue that these actions were retaliatory measures taken by NCC in response to their criticisms of the college’s policies and practices.
Peterson and Groom’s allegations are grounded in violations of several federal statutes including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and various sections under Title 42 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). They claim that NCC’s actions not only silenced them but also discriminated against Peterson based on his disability. The complaint highlights instances where Peterson felt threatened by remarks from NCC staff and describes how his formal complaints were ignored or dismissed without proper consideration.
The plaintiffs are seeking a judgment that would declare NCC’s actions unconstitutional under both federal and state laws. They request an injunction to clear any disciplinary records stemming from these incidents and seek damages for injuries suffered due to these alleged violations. Additionally, they demand compensation for legal fees incurred during this process.
Representing Groom and Peterson is Gregory A. Byrnes from Anderson Law PLLC. The case has been assigned Case No. LS-cv-6297 in front of judges at the Eastern District Court of New York.
Source: 125cv06297_Jordon_Groom_v_Nassau_Comminuty_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_New_York..pdf
