Colin Carlson, 13, listens to a question during an interview with The Associated Press at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Conn.
/ AP photo
STEPHEN SINGER, Associated Press Writer
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — A 13-year-old student says in an age discrimination complaint that the University of Connecticut has blocked him from taking a class with overseas field work.
Colin Carlson is a sophomore, seeking a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and another in environmental studies.
He says he's been knocked off course by the rejection of his request to take the class that includes summer field work in South Africa. His mother says she offered to release the school from liability and to pay her way as a chaperone with Colin.
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating.
Michael Kirk, a spokesman for UConn, would not comment on Colin's case. But he says that generally, safety is the university's first concern when travel is involved.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
