WASHINGTON, D.C (July 17, 2026) – On Thursday, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jonathan Clark Green largely denied Northwestern University’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed by the estate of Dr. Jane Ying Wu, the distinguished neuroscientist whose tragic death and family lawsuit have sparked national discussion about academic accountability and the treatment of researchers in U.S. institutions. The judge denied the motion on eight of the nine counts, including false imprisonment, medical malpractice, and discrimination on the basis of national origin. The case is now expected to proceed into discovery, with a status hearing scheduled for August 27, 2026.

This ruling represents a critical step toward accountability for the treatment of Dr. Wu and reflects the concerns raised by over 1,000 academics who, in February 2026, signed a letter calling on Northwestern to apologize and implement reforms.

“The Dr. Jane Ying Wu case represents a critical moment for institutional accountability and civil rights protections in American higher education,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of AASF. “Today’s hearing underscores the importance of the American justice system and our community’s work to ensure faculty receive appropriate resources and protections. AASF stands with Dr. Jane Wu and her family as they continue to seek justice and accountability.”

AASF reached out to Dr. Jane Wu’s daughter for public comment regarding the hearing. She has shared the following reactions: 

“My grief and anguish at Northwestern University and Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s treatment of my mother continues,” said Elizabeth Rao, Dr. Wu’s daughter. “We are proceeding with the case.”

As the case moves into discovery, AASF remains committed to supporting Dr. Wu’s family and advocating for systemic change in how universities handle investigations and protect their faculty. This ruling signals that the judiciary recognizes the merits of pursuing the validity of the claims and the importance of institutional accountability.

For full coverage of Thursday’s hearing, read the Evanston RoundTable article.

Media Contact: Candace Erie, media@aasforum.org

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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes belonging, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.