Diamond et al v. Kalamazoo, City of et al, No. 1:2015cv00696 - Document 99 (W.D. Mich. 2017)

Court Description: OPINION AND ORDER APPROVING AND ADOPTING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION 92 ; denying objections 95 ; granting in part and denying in part motion for summary judgment 83 ; signed by Judge Janet T. Neff (Judge Janet T. Neff, rmw)

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Diamond et al v. 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