By Associated Press - Monday, March 10, 2014

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Supreme Court is considering whether a former Drake University law student who trains service dogs for veterans may sue the university, which she says barred her from taking a dog to classes.

Nicole Shumate, a 2009 Drake Law School graduate, filed a lawsuit in August 2011 claiming the university denied her access to classes and other activities with a service dog in training.

A district court judge dismissed the case in 2012 but the Iowa Court of Appeals in November sided with Shumate, saying a person training a service dog is protected in the same way as someone with a disability who uses a service dog.

Drake’s attorney, Andrew Bracken, says Iowa’s law does not authorize dog trainers to sue for damages.

The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday.

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