In a compelling legal battle that raises significant questions about religious freedom, discrimination, and due process in higher education, Katrin Nicole Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. The complaint was lodged on January 27, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. Henry accuses the University of multiple violations including infringement of her First Amendment rights, discrimination based on religious beliefs, and failure to provide due process.
The case stems from a series of alleged discriminatory actions taken by the University against Henry during her time as a pharmacy student. According to Henry’s complaint, she faced expulsion from the College of Pharmacy three times due to her refusal to comply with COVID-19 vaccination mandates—an action she attributes to her religious beliefs. “The defendants maliciously discriminated against me for my religious beliefs,” states Henry in her filing. She further alleges that faculty members such as Jeannie Lee and Janet Cooley orchestrated these expulsions by exploiting academic policies unfairly.
Henry’s lawsuit outlines several causes of action including violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She claims that instructors like Jacob Schwarz retaliated against her after she refused sexual advances, leading to diminished learning opportunities. Moreover, she asserts that her disability was ignored by faculty members who failed to provide necessary accommodations after an accident left her physically impaired.
The plaintiff is seeking substantial relief from the court: removal of defamatory remarks from university records, financial compensation equivalent to two years’ salary as a pharmacist for delayed graduation, forgiveness of student loans amounting to approximately $200,000 due to career impediments caused by alleged defamation and discrimination, and erasure of non-passing grades that led to expulsions.
Representing herself pro se in this intricate legal challenge, Katrin Henry demands accountability from those she believes have wronged her during her academic journey. The case is being overseen by Judge Rosemary Márquez under Case No. CV-26-00050-TUC-RM.
Source: 426cv00050_Henry_v_Arizona_Board_of_Regents_Complaint_District_Arizona.pdf
