A mother who filed a civil-rights lawsuit against the Yonkers Board of Education says she is pleased with a report by a state board.

Samantha Spataro, of Yonkers, filed the lawsuit after the Yonkers school district refused to allow her son, 8-year-old Anthony Spataro, to bring a medical-alert dog to school. Anthony Spataro suffers from Type 1 diabetes and epilepsy.

The state's Human Rights Board issued a decision agreeing with Samantha Spataro's contention that not allowing her son's dog into the school was a form of discrimination. Anthony Spataro's dog, Jana, alerts the 8-year-old if his blood sugar is reaching dangerous levels by licking his face.

"She makes me feel safe and comfortable," Anthony says.

Samantha Spataro says her son suffered two seizures in times that he was away from the dog.

The Yonkers school district says the 8-year-old boy has been provided with an aid who helps him with his illness.