The “No Food” sign in many classrooms might be hard to swallow for some, but it’s a must for students with food allergies and sensitivities.
More students have allergies this year, so the health office added more signs. For students’ safety the rule is usually extended to all food. CSArtisan talked to Ms. Read to find out why.
In a nutshell, it’s easier. “Teachers aren’t necessarily going to spend all the time to read all the labels of the snacks that students are carrying,” Read said. All classrooms have been completely food-free in the past, following the advice from a nurse. Despite this caution, one student had an anaphylactic reaction and had to withdraw from the school.
There are still exceptions to the rule. Some teachers open food-free classrooms in harsh weather, but tell students to wipe down their desks or don’t bring nuts. Taste of CSArts is another exception. “We have to make sure that everyone who has an allergy is aware that event is happening on campus,” Read said.
Food-free classrooms can also have other benefits. Rooms like the studios or computer classrooms don’t allow food so they can protect dance floors or expensive computers.
Some students disagree that the classrooms should be food-free. Student Sabrina Nessman says that long lines make students get food late and miss class time to eat outside of class. “Maybe if they’re eating things that aren’t too messy and that most students don’t have allergies to, it should be okay for them to eat in class,” she said.
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