I would like to sue my college in small claims court for a non-PP inquiry. (intending to settle for removal of a negative item from my report) I live in Virginia, the college is in IL. Can I sue them in VA small claims?
The first hurdle to expect will be to satisfy jurisdictional requirements. If the college advertises, has an extension or otherwise does business in VA, you might have a chance. If they have nothing in common with VA other than yourself, it might not hold up. You have a decent argument that they breached an agreement made in VA, but that's the next hurdle. Your small claims court may not allow you to sue an entity that does not have a VA presence--even if they violated a VA civil law. Doesn't mean you can't sue, it just means you may have to consider suing in the next highest court. I encountered this in Calif. when I was all set to sue a CA for breach of an agreement to delete. Got to court; stepped up to the clerk's window and she wouldn't take my complaint. Check with your small claims court to see what their venue rules are.
