Family sues school district over service dog

COLUMBIA -- The parents of an autistic child are suing a southwestern Illinois school district they say won't let the 5-year-old boy bring his certified service dog to school.

Melissa and Chris Kalbfleisch filed the lawsuit Monday in Monroe County against Columbia Community School Unit 4.

The couple seeks an injunction that would let their son, Carter, bring the 11-month-old dog to school under a state law the family says allows it.

Certified service dogs are also protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and are allowed access to any public environment.

A hearing is scheduled for next week.

The school district's superintendent hasn't returned a call seeking comment Tuesday.