Court says Pontiac Catholic school covered by state anti-bias law

PONTIAC (AP) - The Michigan appeals court says a Roman Catholic school is covered by a state law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

John Bursch, a lawyer who's not involved in the case, says the decision "breaks new ground" in Michigan.

The case involves admission decisions at Notre Dame Prep in Pontiac. A dyslexic student who was rejected claims the school violated her rights.

The 3-0 opinion by the appeals court helps the girl clear a major legal hurdle. Notre Dame denies any discrimination and says the girl was rejected because of poor grades.

The anti-discrimination law mentions public and private schools. Lawyers unsuccessfully argued that the law doesn't apply to Notre Dame because it doesn't specifically refer to religious schools. The case now returns to Oakland County court.

Published: Tue, Sep 26, 2017