Montana student sues college after failing math classes

Emily Atteberry | USATODAY

A student who failed two mandatory math classes at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont., has filed a lawsuit against the school so she can circumvent the requirement and graduate.

Hannah Valdez, an art student grappling with numerous learning disabilities, attempted to pass the two courses before eventually dropping them in April 2012, the Associated Press reports.

She asked the school to let her substitute the requirement with other course, but they denied her request.

The student then filed her lawsuit, which claims the school did not comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The lawsuit was recently transferred from the state court to the U.S. District Court.

Valdez, who aspires to be a graphic designer, juggles a variety of conditions including Asperger's, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD and dyscalculia — a mathematics learning disability.

Her SAT math score was in the bottom 5% of students nationwide — a fact Rocky Mountain College knew full well, says Valdez' lawyer.

"They don't understand her disability," Donald Harris, Valdez' attorney, tells the Associated Press. "The stress and anxiety that Hanna feels when she is trying to be successful with math classes affects her other studies, as well."

Barbara Vail, Rocky Mountain's interim academic vice president, tells the AP that the school is doing everything it can to help Valdez, but says they will not waver in their requirements.

Instead, the school hopes to delay the lawsuit by offering Valdez free math tutoring from a professor who specializes in learning disabilities.

Rocky Mountain College offered Valdez extended time to take tests, permission to record lectures, free tutoring and assistance in note taking, the school's lawyer filed in court Monday.