Peanut Allergy

[marzi0510]

If a child has a severe peanut allergy and the school is declared to be "peanut free", can a parent or child be forced to adhere to that policy in the state of Massachusetts? How can a policy of that nature be truly enforced? As I see it, it is impossible to know the exact ingredient of every single item in a child's lunch bag. If the school is "peanut free" does that mean that a parent that fails to comply, whether it be accidental or otherwise, is liable for another child's adverse reaction? On the other hand, is the school liable or is the city or town liable? It seems to me that if a school declares itself to be "peanut free" and somehow a product containing peanuts slips into the building, then the school is opening itself for a lawsuit. Please advise!

That does not usually mean the child cannot carry a bag of peanuts; but it is legal to prohibit any item within the school if the board is basically reasonable about it.