Should we consider banning peanuts from schools given the risk of exposure, and possibly life-threatening symptoms as a result, to children with peanut allergy? This is clearly a controversial topic, and would lead to other questions, such as banning other foods, who could/should be held responsible for enforcing such a ban, as well as implications of governmental control and the rights of non-peanut-allergic children to eat lunches containing peanuts. What are your thoughts?
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No, kids that are allergic are acutely aware of their allergy and know what to avoid. Kids with these allergies do not die from contact, but through ingestion of the item they are allergic to. Are we going to ban recess because kids can have deadly reactions to bee or fire ant stings? Teaching kids that the world around them should conform to their allergy is not teaching good citizenship. They need to learn to be responsible and not eat these products–and they are. There can be peanut-free zones in the cafeteria and wipes can be used to wipe down tables to ensure there is no peanut residue. How do these children function in society–at the grocery store, restaurants, airports, etc.? Society is not peanut free and schools should not be either.
Yes, peanuts should be banned! We are not talking about a reaction that causes some mild discomfort. Anaphalaxia is a life threatening reaction. The flippit attitude that our society has toward persons with peanut allergy disturbs me. We will tollerate everything from a to z in our society, and I for one am ready to stand up for the rights of a few to keep all safe.
Peanuts should be banned in any and all schools that have a child with Anaphalaxia period. If these parents who oppose the measure had to live the life of a “crazy peanut parent” for just one day they would change their tune guaranteed. I speak from experience.