Legal Question in Education Law in Illinois

In Local Parentis

I am a student at Columbia College Chicago. Recently, I was told that the school can prevent me from going on school related trips (I planning a research trip to Peru), because I will be under 21. They are citing In Local Parentis, which I know little about. I am honestly doubting that my school even has In Local Parentis, because after doing some researching it sounds like it is a thing of the past. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Asked on 4/16/08, 11:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Zedrick Braden III Ainsworth & Associates PC

Re: In Local Parentis

Hello. I refreshed my memory and reviewed local parentis which is a legal term used to describe your college's decision to act as your guardian (parent) with regard to participating in trips out of the country since you are under 21. Of course the school can enforce its restrictions upon you. Also, the school could be held liable under federal law if you went to Peru and had a mishap. These restrictions are even more closely followed in this 9/11 era. Columbia is a great school.

Will be happy to answer any additional questions you might have, but in my opinion the school is merely doing its job of educating you while insuring your safety.

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Answered on 4/18/08, 2:59 am


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