SA’s Statement on the UB YAF Lawsuit

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision of a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit against the University at Buffalo Student Association Inc. (“SA”).

On December 15, 2024, a federal judge dismissed a 2023 lawsuit filed by UB YAF against SA. The judge’s ruling dismissed all claims filed by UB YAF and the individual plaintiffs. The court ruled that one of SA’s main requirements for SA student clubs is constitutional. UB YAF also sued University at Buffalo administrators. All of those claims were similarly dismissed.

The plaintiffs appealed their loss, and the result was identical. On November 3, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit similarly ruled against UB YAF and the individual plaintiffs, affirming the judgment of the district court and dismissing the case.

We are again very pleased with the court’s ruling. SA’s position has always been based on the facts and the law. From the beginning, we strongly believed that the claims against SA were meritless. Now both the district court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit have agreed. We were confident that the courts would reach the correct conclusion and dismiss the case, and they did.

The SA Officers are focused on continuing to serve SA’s student constituents without disruption.

We appreciate how the University at Buffalo has handled this matter, and as always, we appreciate the continued support of UB’s undergraduate students.

Link to Second Circuit Court of Appeals Decision