Due to a school board policy that bans sunscreen over fears of allergic reactions, Jesse Michener's daughters, 9 and 11 years old, sustained sunburns so severe during a school outing, that it necessitated a trip to the hospital.
According to state law, schools must ban sun block creams because they are classified as an over-the-counter drug like Tylenol or Aspirin, which students are only allowed to use if a doctor's note is provided.
The girl's school did not see fit to inform their mother of the sun block ban or the need for a doctor's note before the trip. Because of the school's dress code barring hats, and teacher's inability to supply or apply sunscreen due to "liability risks", Jesse Michener's daughters were forced to spend five hours in the sun without any protection at all.
Tell the Tacoma Public School Board that sacrificing students' health and safety for the sake of strict policy observance is unacceptable.
Demand that parents be advised of ALL school policies, so that they can take the appropriate steps to ensure their child's safety.
Let them know that common sense must prevail when implementing policies that affect children in their care and to remove this wrong-headed sunscreen ban immediately.
To: Tacoma Public School District
We, the undersigned, urge you to revise your zero tolerance policy on the use of sun block and hats in schools immediately.
Common sense exceptions to overly restrictive policies and dress codes must be made where the health and safety of the children in your care are concerned.
As well, informing parents of ALL school policies should be made mandatory and conveyed in a timely manner.
Thank you.
