QUINCY, Mass. -- A Quincy woman has filed a lawsuit against Boston University claiming discrimination and breach of contract.

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Kelley Tuthill Reports On Lawsuit

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that Layla Kiani, 26, who has cerebral palsy, claims she was six days away from holding a law degree when she was kicked out of school for plagiarism. But the university said Kiani is using the laws that protect people from discrimination as a sword, instead of as a shield.

"I go to sleep and think this is a nightmare, but it doesn't go away -- it gets worse," said Kiani.

Kiani came to Boston with high hopes after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Texas. Her mother accompanied Kiani to Boston University Law School because the student has cerebral palsy.

Three years later, despite an admittedly average academic career at the school, Kiana bought a graduation gown and sent out invitations.

"Six days before graduation I was told I was unable to participate in ceremonies because an investigation was pending," said Kiani.

Kiana learned that a plagiarism investigation was in the works. Kiana admitted to improper footnoting and attribution, but said she was taking anti-anxiety medication at the time.

"It was like coming out of anesthesia and someone asking you to write a paper. You're that groggy," said Kiani.

Although no one from Boston University was available for an interview, the university released a statement that said that the faculty concluded Kiani's papers incorporated, verbatim, the written work of others without attribution, and read, in part, "This case is not about discrimination, it is about a university's obligation to adhere to academic standards and apply them with an even hand, for the benefit of all students."

"I can't describe how it feels to be the plaintiff in this case -- not a lawyer, but the victim. It's hard," said Kiani.

Kiani is suing the university for more than $185,000 for tuition, rent and living expenses.