The Tale Of The Guinea Who Went To college

From Fox News:

A Michigan college is denying it tried to prevent a student from keeping a guinea pig in her dorm room -- a "security" rodent the student reportedly was filing a lawsuit to keep.

A school official at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., told FoxNews.com that the college granted Kendra Velzen, 28, permission to live with the animal in October. 

Matt McLogan, vice president for university relations, said he could not comment on any pending legal action because the university has not received a lawsuit. 

Local media outlets reported Thursday that Velzen is suing the school for the right to keep the pig in her dorm room, claiming she needs the animal for emotional support. The Detroit Free Press reported that the complaint is being filed with the Michigan Civil Rights Department.  

According to the newspaper, Velzen, who suffers from a heart problem and depression, says her guinea pig, named "Blanca," is needed to help her cope with her medical conditions. She reportedly presented a letter from her medical provider to the university in August, and argued that the pig is a service animal needed to help her with her disabilities.  

But McLogan claims Velzen was never told she could not keep the animal in her dorm room.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/05/student-sues-university-to-keep-guinea-pig-in-dorm/#ixzz1rCNHODz9

From the looks of it, it sounds like the college did the right thing by allowing her to keep the guinea pig in the dorm.  If this is true, why would she file a complaint with the Michigan Civil Rights Commission?  Maybe to set a legal precedent to allow other animals into college?

We have had 2 guinea pigs for a couple of years and I could see how some could be attached to the pig, but a service animal?  If this case is filed and heard, it may set a precedent that if someone who has a pet at home and wants the animal to come to college.  All it would take is a note from a doctor saying that a student is depressed and they should be able to bring the pet to college.  So, the next  kid may want to bring a rabbit, a dog, a horse, a rat, a snake etc.

So, if this case is litigated, it can really open up a hornets nest by giving people rights when it is not deserved.  As far as the plaintiff in the case, will she file a law suit if her employer doesn't allow her to keep her guinea pig at work?  That is, if she ever gets hired somewhere.