It is very hard to understand how people could be so horribly insensitive. A girl facing a life threatening allergy, already struggling with the burden of trying to fit in and live a normal life, is asked to withdraw from school. I am not sure if I agree with all that the allergy family is asking of the school. However, there must be a way to resolve differences and come up with a solution. There should be a way that the family, their allergy Doctor and the school can agree on a plan that does not result in the child being forced to leave the school.
Equal access to education is not only the right thing to do, it is what the law requires. I hope the school can work out a good solution in the best interest of the child.
Go here for the story:
http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/24/parents-picket-girl-with-peanut-allergy-ask-her-to-withdraw-from-school/
I think one of the reporters made a good point when she said if we replaced the word allergy with autism no one would be complaining. I'm so fortunate that Griffin does not have any allergies, but he has a couple of friends that do and when... they come over I practically do a hospital-grade scrub down of my house. I don't ever want to be the cause of a bad reaction - nor do I want Griffin to at school either. Suzanne, I remember when the kids were about to start kindergarten and being worried for Jack. I can't imagine why parents would have such a problem with their kids washing their hands more often. Such a small thing to ask in my opinion. This one riled me up!
ReplyDeleteI was really sad to see this story the other day. Luckily most of the comments I saw supported the girl and her family - not the picketers. I have to say I feel fortunate to be surrounded by wonderful friends who don't see being safe as a "sacrifice". I hope this family has some of those too!
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