Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Pennsylvania

financially independent college students rights

I am a college student who is being forced to live on campus. I am financially independent and I have been since the age of 14. The college allows students who live with at least one parent and live in a 50 mile radius to commute, but I do not have parents. If I would get an apartment in the same town as my college, I would technically be commuting, but I would not be living with at least one parent. I do not see how the school can keep me on campus, when I should not be in the same category with dependent students. Is it illegal for the college to ignore my financial independence and force me to live on campus?


Asked on 12/01/05, 10:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles A. Pascal, Jr. Law Office of Charles A. Pascal, Jr.

Re: financially independent college students rights

Is this a public or private school? Is it in Pennsylvania or some other state? I think you pose an interesting question. There MAY be a solution to this, with a bit more research. The question I would have is if it applies under the prohibition of "familial status" discrimination under Pennsylvania law. As I said, with more research, we might be able to find an answer to this. I'd be interested in knowing if you've talked with anyone in authority at the school, or just those who don't have authority to "waive" policy, and what they've told you.

Read more
Answered on 12/02/05, 8:38 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania