A child’s safety is not a joke.

I usually don’t waste my time responding to inappropriate comments made by ignorant people regarding food allergies. I’d rather spend my time educating others and working for positive change.  However, this remark just could not and should not be ignored. It was made by a member of a board of education in Clawson, Michigan.  I only viewed the short clip shown here. In the clip, it sounds as though a faculty member is asking the board to address food allergy management citing that there is at least one child in every classroom now.  In response to this, a BOE member, identified on the site as Linda Grossman, states, “Well you should just shoot them.”  Laughter is heard after the remark from several people.

To view for yourself, see this link.

This is an unacceptable “joke” in age where school shootings are real threats and bullying of food allergic children is at a whopping 45%.  I often speak about the impact of our words and actions as adults.  It is unacceptable for any person to suggest such a horrific deed, but  I hold our public officials to an even higher standard.  Board of Education members are tasked with overseeing the health, safety and education of the children in their care. This type of comment is in direct conflict with that responsibility.  It is ignorant at best and careless, heartless and downright dangerous at it’s worst.

I sincerely hope that this school district takes the appropriate action here and sends a strong message to their community that joking about “shooting” children is NEVER acceptable and ALL children are deserving of a safe and healthy environment in which to learn.

Please feel free to post your thoughts on this issue.