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My answer is YES "but" first determine if anyone in the student body is allergic to peanuts. If not, then NO, peanut products should not be banned unless there is a real perceived need to do so.

Peanut allergies can be deadly. There is a need to take such an allergy seriously and educate the public about it. Schools should most definitely educate the student body in advance, so if any student is prone to an allergic reaction to peanuts, the fact of the matter will likely be respected.

I've a friend whose daughter has such a peanut allergy. It is a life and death matter. Fortunately, they homeschool. Nonetheless, they often encounter social situations where peanut products may be present. My own children adore their peanut snacks but out of kindness, consideration and decency we've omitted such delicacies from our brown bag during get-togethers with that family. Everyone else involved has graciously and responsibly done the same, even if it meant altering the menu at a church gathering or customizing the snack table at an educational co-op; or rethinking a contribution to a potluck meal. This is plain decency. Can we expect anything less from schools?

Peanut allergies are such that even the slightest contact with the the allergen can elicit severe response. Who wants to mess with that? It is a small inconvenience to omit the offending peanut products compared to the possible tragic consequences which could result otherwise.

Peanut allergies are no joke. If a child thus inflicted is enrolled in any school or other program, safety measures must be well implemented to ensure complete safety. That is simply responsible as well as kind and considerate. It could save a life!

Learn more about this author, Violet Fortune.
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