School bans polka dots and stripes

Interesting question, considering that a significant percentage of the posts on this forum are about how the needs, sensitivities, or even preferences of one person SHOULD override those of everyone else. (Unless, of course, they are conservative sensitivities.)

I guess the real question is whether adapting the dress code is reasonable accommodation for the teacher's physical challenges. I think in the USA this might go either way depending on where the question might arise and how the judge leans. Most likely where I live the teacher would be counseled to get another job if she couldn't deal with stripes and spots.

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At first I was outraged and thought she was ridiculous. It seems like an oversensitive, emotional response rather than a physical problem.

But then I thought of my sister-in-law who can't stand the smell of candles, scented lotions or perfume. She gets headaches. And then there's my friend who is allergic to wool and carnations and a host of dietary allergens. Oh, and my "weirdo" friend who is a celiac and can't eat wheat.

I'm a person with very few sensitivities, if any. When I was younger, I thought people who had issues like that were just making it up for attention or blowing their "symptoms" out of proportion.

Time and experience made me realize that it's a ridiculous stance to take, and now I try to be considerate of other people who have special requirements. That all being said, I think this woman should probably consider a different profession... or at least move to a district that has school uniforms.

Sometimes, accommodations for people with special needs can't be made. It's unfortunate, but it's a fact of life. Every effort should be made to figure out a way, but this case seems a little extraordinary.

Cheryl
http://redpens-diapers.blogspot.com
http://skinnymeals.blogspot.com

Reply

At first I was outraged and thought she was ridiculous. It seems like an oversensitive, emotional response rather than a physical problem.

But then I thought of my sister-in-law who can't stand the smell of candles, scented lotions or perfume. She gets headaches. And then there's my friend who is allergic to wool and carnations and a host of dietary allergens. Oh, and my "weirdo" friend who is a celiac and can't eat wheat.

I'm a person with very few sensitivities, if any. When I was younger, I thought people who had issues like that were just making it up for attention or blowing their "symptoms" out of proportion.

Time and experience made me realize that it's a ridiculous stance to take, and now I try to be considerate of other people who have special requirements. That all being said, I think this woman should probably consider a different profession... or at least move to a district that has school uniforms.

Sometimes, accommodations for people with special needs can't be made. It's unfortunate, but it's a fact of life. Every effort should be made to figure out a way, but this case seems a little extraordinary.

Cheryl
http://redpens-diapers.blogspot.com
http://skinnymeals.blogspot.com

Reply

At first I was outraged and thought she was ridiculous. It seems like an oversensitive, emotional response rather than a physical problem.

But then I thought of my sister-in-law who can't stand the smell of candles, scented lotions or perfume. She gets headaches. And then there's my friend who is allergic to wool and carnations and a host of dietary allergens. Oh, and my "weirdo" friend who is a celiac and can't eat wheat.

I'm a person with very few sensitivities, if any. When I was younger, I thought people who had issues like that were just making it up for attention or blowing their "symptoms" out of proportion.

Time and experience made me realize that it's a ridiculous stance to take, and now I try to be considerate of other people who have special requirements. That all being said, I think this woman should probably consider a different profession... or at least move to a district that has school uniforms.

Sometimes, accommodations for people with special needs can't be made. It's unfortunate, but it's a fact of life. Every effort should be made to figure out a way, but this case seems a little extraordinary.

Cheryl
http://redpens-diapers.blogspot.com
http://skinnymeals.blogspot.com

Reply

Sandy, you brought up a good point. Young children like big, bold colors and patterns in their artwork. How can a preschool teacher who cannot stand striped clothing look at a child's artwork?

I have no proof to discredit her sensetivites, but it sounds really odd that an entire school changes its dress code policy for one teacher.

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How on earth will all of those parents find bland clothing for their children? Unless you're buying high end stuff, it's pretty much primary colors and lots of graphics.

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Outrageous

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