A former doctoral candidate is seeking damages and injunctive relief after alleging that a private university failed to provide reasonable accommodations for his documented disability, ultimately forcing him to withdraw from his academic program and incurring significant financial losses. The complaint was filed by Roy Jackson in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on April 13, 2026, naming Saybrook University as the defendant.
According to the filing, Roy Jackson asserts that Saybrook University discriminated against him in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The complaint states that Jackson is a qualified individual with a disability who was enrolled as a doctoral candidate in the Ph.D. Integrative Social Work program at Saybrook University. He alleges that despite notifying the university about his medical condition and submitting documentation from his treating physician, Dr. Sagar V. Parikh, he did not receive adequate or clearly defined accommodations.
The document outlines that on December 4, 2025, Jackson was granted temporary assignment extensions by the university; these were later extended but described by Jackson as vague and insufficient. Throughout January 2026, he communicated ongoing struggles to keep up with coursework due to his health issues. He reported: “I am not well and am suffering daily” and requested either more extended time or removal of firm deadlines while awaiting further guidance from his psychiatrist.
Jackson’s physician formally requested Incomplete grades for Spring 2026 courses and asked for a waiver of the university’s standard requirement that students complete at least 75% of coursework before being eligible for an Incomplete grade. This request was denied by Department Chair Dr. Annette Anderson-Engler on February 16, 2026, citing only non-completion of required coursework without addressing the medical circumstances or considering ADA requirements.
The lawsuit further alleges retaliation after Jackson raised concerns about program integrity in October 2025. On October 23, he received a Level II Written Warning and an Academic Remediation Plan from Dr. Anderson-Engler on the same day she privately praised his “ethical integrity” and assured him there would be “NO reprisal.” The complaint argues this sequence demonstrates pretextual discipline in response to protected activity.
Procedural issues are also detailed in the filing. When Jackson lodged a formal complaint regarding these matters, Vice Provost Dr. Shaniece McGill directed it into an internal policy process lacking independent review or clear timelines instead of allowing dual-track review under both grievance policies available at the institution. Dr. McGill stated: “During the review process, I make the decision on which policy to review the complaint under and this decision is final” and “There is no appeal process for disagreement on determining which policy the matter should be reviewed under.” After more than three months, an initial assessment found “no violation.” Attempts by Jackson to petition for exceptions were denied based on what he claims were factual inaccuracies regarding when medical documentation was provided.
Jackson’s withdrawal from Saybrook University became effective February 26, 2026 following recommendations from his physician for a medical withdrawal—a step which typically results in tuition refunds according to Dr. Parikh’s statement included in Exhibit T of the filing. Despite advocacy efforts by family members directly to university leadership—including President Dr. Jeremy Moreland—no additional accommodations were made.
Financial records attached to the complaint show institutional charges totaling $90,583 over Jackson’s enrollment period with $15,565 charged for Spring 2026 alone—the semester during which he received no academic credit due to withdrawal (all courses marked as “W”). Federal loan documents indicate $8,203 returned to the Department of Education but leave Jackson personally responsible for repaying $24,395 in loans despite receiving no educational benefit during Spring 2026.
The legal claims include discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Count I), retaliation under Section 504 (Count II), and discrimination/retaliation under Title II of the ADA (Count III). The plaintiff requests declaratory relief stating that Saybrook University violated federal law; orders requiring retroactive medical withdrawal with full tuition refund; coordination with federal authorities regarding financial aid status; compensatory damages totaling $39,960 plus amounts for emotional distress; punitive damages; removal of disciplinary actions from academic records; mandatory staff training on relevant laws; transparent committee procedures; interest; attorneys’ fees; costs; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Roy Jackson is representing himself as a pro se litigant in this case (Case No.: 2:26-cv-11200-TGB-Cl). No attorney names are listed in this filing.
Source: 226cv11200_Roy_Jackson_v_Saybrook_University_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
