If it was about religion, race or sexual orientation, there would be tolerance

"Marsha Alcorn, the district's 504 coordinator, says most parents with allergic children don't need the 504 plan.

"We do a health care plan in the schools with the school nurse," she says. "I think the parents feel there is more teeth [in the 504], but they should be getting all they need already."


See article :'A Peanut In The Classroom Is Like A Loaded Gun'




I am not surprised to hear this scenario in Hillsborough County. I am also familiar with the standard response of "isolated incident".

Research the year plus difficulties a parent had that led to a 504 complaint that resulted in the HCDS policy on juvenile diabetes (1997). This was a classic case of ignorance and refusal to accept medical information(over a year) exacerbated by a system entrenched in need to maintain power to back up the teacher’s actions.

This is also not a "broad brush attack".

I believe the problems lie where there is lack of understanding of the law and professional responsibilities infused with a cavalier attitude for some District personnel to maintain power. This abuse of power takes many forms, usually by backing a decision that was ill founded. The District appears to be reticent to openly correct a misguided administrative decision. I often wonder if switching student placement or promoting personnel is the preferred face-saving action.

I am aware that there are many professionals in HCDS that do a great job, work hard and are dedicated to the welfare of their students. In fact, the unprofessional actions of others play a big part of making your job more difficult.

Ask yourself how long these and other reported problems go on before they rose to a degree of exposure and forced accountability. Accountability is the issue. Parsing over health care plans or 504 plans and are they written or not is the smoke screen.

Read for yourself. Go to wrightslaw.com - bottom left link - Section 504