Quinnipiac settles claims it violated disability rights of depressed student; will pay $32,000

Federal prosecutors say Quinnipiac (KWIHN'-ih-pee-ak) University has agreed to settle allegations it violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when it removed a depressed student from school and refused to refund her tuition.

The settlement announced Monday calls for the private school in Hamden to give the student about $32,000 to pay off her college loan and for her pain and suffering. Officials say the university also will implement a new policy saying it won't discriminate against applicants or students based on mental health disabilities.

Prosecutors say Quinnipiac discriminated against the student by placing her on mandatory medical leave without considering options for her to stay enrolled.

Quinnipiac released a statement saying the university fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its ADA standards exceed those of most colleges.