13-year-old college student sues college . . .

[Just_A_Guy]

. . . because they won't let him do field work in Africa.

[pam]

Well I can agree with him actually. They allowed him into the college at his age. They should have known with his major that there might have been things that would further his schooling and career that he would want to do.

The fact that his mother is willing to release UConn from all liability and chaperone at her own expense should be enough to allow him to go.

[Nikki_Elaine]

His exceptional intelligence should serve as a pass on anything. We have a mind that powerful, in AMERICA, and he needs to see his full potential so we can utilize him in whatever field he wishes. I would kill for a mind like that, and the though of someone holding him back makes me think someone else might be a tad bit jealous too.

[WindRiver]

The fact that his parents are suing the university over this makes me think that the University made the right choice. Had something bad happened to the kid his sue happy parents might end up suing anyway.

A "release" in court with a jury trial is worth just about the value of the paper it is written on.

Welcome to the Sue-er Millenium!

[pam]

I'm not sure if suing is the right way to go..but I think they for sure have a valid point in allowing their son to continue with his education just the same as any other student in that school.

Not all law suits are about money. Some are to make a point.

[Traveler]

I lived in Seattle when Mt St Helens erupted. The State of Washington placed a barrier around the mountain to protect people. There was a law suit brought against the State for violating the right of those that wanted to get pictures of the eruption when it happened. The state of Washington lost and was forced to move the barrier closer to the mountain. Many circumvented the effort to keep people safe and found ways past the barriers that the state established.

When St Helens finely erupted about 100 people were killed by the eruption. Most of those killed were part of the law suit to move the barrier. The families of those killed then brought law suit against the State of Washington for allowing the deaths to occur. Which the state also lost.

It is not about just settlements – it is about money. When people take responsibility for their own life and decisions then law suits are not necessary. In the mean time we are allowing anyone with money to sue deep pockets for anything they want in a winner take all mentality that has destroyed our legal system.

I am with the university. The student is under age and cannot go.

The Traveler

[mightynancy]

Suing isn't always all about money. When you have exhausted every appeal through the campus, the lawsuit is the next step to get what you want (in this case, the ability to participate in a program abroad). It's how they'll find out if the university's policy stands up to legal scrutiny. If the policy is legal, the plaintiff loses and no money changes hands except to pay the attorneys. If the policy is illegal, it must be amended and the kid can go.

It's only about money if they are seeking financial compensation for damages. It looks like this one is asking for reimbursement of an expense caused by being barred from the summer program...I'd guess their real goal is for him to get to go like any other student.