Alright, here goes. Back in the day, I was tormented relentlessly during my early school years. From second grade up until sixth grade, I endured constant bullying, even from someone I considered my closest pal when others were around. Mike Perry, if you’re tuning in, know this—there’s a reserved spot in hell with your name on it.
And what was the reason behind this relentless bullying? Simply put, I was an easy target in the eyes of those bullies. Long hair, extreme shyness, zero confidence—apparently, that made me fair game. Let’s be clear: I’m not suggesting it was ever my fault, or anyone else’s, for being bullied, but those traits certainly painted a target on my back. It wasn’t until middle school that I found my footing and discovered my circle of friends. Yet, the emotional scars linger.
Fast forward to today’s email. A concerned mom reaches out, sharing the heartbreaking reality of her eight-year-old child with celiac disease. He faces food being thrown at him in school, and the institution fails miserably at providing the protection he needs and deserves. She’s seeking advice from someone who’s walked that painful path. Here’s the distressing situation at hand:
“I’m the mother of an 8 year old son who was diagnosed with Celiac a year ago. He was very sick by the time they figured out it was Celiac. Hair loss, neuropathy in his hands and feet, weight loss, stunted growth headaches. The list goes on and on.
I met with the school last year and only asked that they wipe down the tables in the cafeteria and classroom after lunch. I also asked that the teacher have the kids wash their hands. The first week of school a student threw food at him. I went in to the school and spoke to them personally about it. The same student did it again two weeks later. Over the course of the school year there have been 6 episodes of food being thrown and two episodes of taunting him about Celiac in the classroom.
Believe me when I say I have been very present in the school and adamant that they put a stop to it. At the end of the school year, I asked that they move my son with a few friends for third grade for peace of mind and comfort. I knew these friends understood his illness and would never throw food. The school never did this to my dismay. They also haven’t solved the problem with the cafeteria and the constant food throwing. I asked them to hire an aide to supervise their table and they have refused.
Do you have any idea what my rights are or how I can put a stop to this? I’m worried sick about him going back to school in a week. This must be some kind of violation against the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any advice would be so appreciated.”
A few thoughts on my end:
- We have a case of life imitating art. Back in 2013, Disney had a show called Jessie and in one of the episodes, they made fun of a boy who was gluten-free. And yes…they throw food at him. Sound familiar? The celiac community was so furious, we started a petition and Disney cancelled the episode right before it was about to air. Here are the details.
- Unfortunately, bullies are a way of life. Even in second grade. It is 100% up to the school to stop it.
- A big eff you to the school for not moving the child to a class with a few friends. It’s third grade for crying out loud. Who is being harmed by it?
- I strongly recommend you read this page on the ADA website. It deals with celiac disease, gluten-free and the ADA.