COLUMBIA, Ill. — The parents of an autistic child are suing a southwestern Illinois school district they say won't let the 5-year-old boy bring his certified service dog to school.
Melissa and Chris Kalbfleisch (KAHLB'-flysh) filed the lawsuit Monday in Monroe County against Columbia Community School Unit 4.
The couple seeks an injunction that would let their son, Carter, bring the 11-month-old dog to school under a state law the family says allows it.
Certified service dogs are also protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and are allowed access to any public environment.
A hearing is scheduled for next week.
The school district's superintendent hasn't returned a call seeking comment Tuesday.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Melissa and Chris Kalbfleisch (KAHLB'-flysh) filed the lawsuit Monday in Monroe County against Columbia Community School Unit 4.
The couple seeks an injunction that would let their son, Carter, bring the 11-month-old dog to school under a state law the family says allows it.
Certified service dogs are also protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and are allowed access to any public environment.
A hearing is scheduled for next week.
The school district's superintendent hasn't returned a call seeking comment Tuesday.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
