University motion to dismiss Piegaro ’25 case denied, civil suit to move forward

On July 31, federal judge Zahid N. Quraishi filed an opinion mostly denying the University’s motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought by David Piegaro ’25. The ruling sends 12 of the 13 charges to discovery, where the parties will gather evidence before a potential trial.

The lawsuit stems from an altercation between Piegaro and Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Kenneth Strother that occurred during the 2024 Gaza Solidarity encampment. Piegaro was charged with simple assault and trespassing after the incident. In April 2025, he was found not guilty for simple assault while the trespassing charge was dropped earlier that year in February. Quraishi’s opinion allowed most of the claims Piegaro made to proceed.

“The well-reasoned decision allows David [Piegaro] to pursue accountability for the serious constitutional violations and injuries alleged in his complaint. We intend to vigorously pursue David’s rights in discovery,” Andrew L. Schwartz, Piegaro’s lead counsel, told The Daily Princetonian in a statement. Schwartz is representing Piegaro on behalf of the law firm Kasowitz. 

After protesters temporarily occupied Clio Hall on April 29, 2024, Piegaro attempted to record a conversation between Strother, the University’s police chief, and two professors involved in the pro-Palestine protests outside Whig Hall. After Strother and the professors began to enter Whig Hall, he attempted to follow them. Strother then blocked him from entering; Piegaro alleges Strother pushed him down the stairs, while the University and Strother maintained that Piegaro had simply fallen. 

In July 2025, after he was tried and found not guilty for simple assault, Piegaro sued Strother and the University, alleging that Strother physically assaulted him. He sought monetary damages, an expungement of the University disciplinary violations from his school record, and a public apology for his treatment. Almost three months later, the University rejected Piegaro’s demands, motioning to dismiss his complaint. 

“On a motion to dismiss, courts do not rule on the merits of the case. Instead, courts determine whether the complaint, as written, asserts a viable legal claim,” University spokesperson Jennifer Morrill said in a statement to the ‘Prince.’ “Under this framework, courts accept the plaintiff’s factual allegations in the complaint as true, even if the defendant asserts that such allegations will ultimately be disproven at trial.” 

“In this case, a claim against the University was dismissed and the parties will now litigate the remaining claims, and they will be adjudicated on the merits. The University intends to defend the matter vigorously,” she added. Piegaro’s claim of assault and battery by the University was dismissed, while his claim of assault and battery by Strother was allowed to proceed.

Strother declined to comment to the ‘Prince.’

The docket suggests that, if approved, the discovery period would take place, which could continue through next year, during which the parties will exchange documents and records relevant to the complaints.