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Disagree

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Fewer than one percent of Americans are allergic to peanuts. Many more people have a wheat allergy. Some are allergic to soy, or dairy products, or eggs. Should those also be banned? I think not.

Peanut allergies can be severe and life-threatening; I am not downplaying those facts. But I think a ban on them at schools is not the answer, unless we react the same way to other allergens. At what point do we say, "Whoa! Back up the wagon!" It is impossible to protect every person from every possible danger.

The appropriate action here is for parents to be proactive in managing their children's health problems. First (and most important), they should teach their children not to eat foods they're allergic to. Second, they should be sure their children's teachers are aware of the allergy. Third, they should send a letter to both the principal and the school cafeteria manager detailing the problem, and possibly listing their doctor's name and phone number if verification is needed.

I have been involved in public schools for thirty years, and have known numerous children with food allergies and conditions such as diabetes. In every case, the school has worked with parents to be sure the child was fed appropriately. This very real problem can be handled without affecting entire school populations or changing policy. A little common sense is all that's really needed.

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