Jerk of the year award

[KAknight]

Superintendent says 7 year old girl not allowed to have her working dog in the classroom.

What a jerk. All working dogs are allowed literally everywhere except operating rooms.


http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldle...te/9323350.htm

[Smidley]

I second that nomination.

[KAknight]

The school had 2 months to prepare for this. The fact that nothing was said or done untill school started is just horrible. Now this child is missing classes because the superintendent wants to prove who is running the show.

[RobRich]

Although he has not had any complaints from parents, Hammond said the dog could be a liability to the district and might disrupt the classroom. He also noted that some children might fear dogs or be allergic to them.

Please take other people into consideration. Many people are allergic to dogs, and this issue should be addressed before someone with such allergies becomes sick - or even dies - because they came into contact with the animal.

I would also be interested in knowing who you believe is liable should the dog attack another student? Regardless of whatever you think, it is the school system and the county government. What would your reaction be if this news story read, "Local Student Attacked by Other Child's Service Dog?"

IMHO, only when these issues are addressed should the dog be allowed back onto school grounds in a full-time capacity.

[KAknight]

You do bring up good points Rob. When I was going to school my parents had to list any allergies I had to the school. Students with a k9 allergy could be placed in another class. As for the service dog attacking another student, those dogs are highly trained I'm not familiar with a service dog ever attacking anyone. (Though I guess police dogs are techincally considered service dogs.) Doesn't mean that it hasn't happened, I just think is is highly unlikely.

[Undeadlord]

Rob,

That could be a point, however like the article said, they were given months of advanced notice and if she had gone into the classroom and a child had been allergic then it could have been dealt with. By stating ... "someone, somewhere could be allergic" I think this guys definitily proves his jerk-hood.

Now with the service dog attacking people, I think its a very long shot, though I guess techincally possible. Well if thats the case we better round up every seeing-eye dog, seisure dog and whatnot and have them shot ... I mean hey sometime, somewhere one of them might go berserk ... better not take the chance huh?

Undeadlord

[RobRich]

I understand where you are coming from KA. However, I believe the superintendent is trying to protect the school system from potential lawsuits more than trying to be a jerk. I am confident a viable solution will be found once both sides can better evaulate the situation. One of his primary job responsibilities is to evaluate potential problems, even if unlikely.

[RobRich]

Well if thats the case we better round up every seeing-eye dog, seisure dog and whatnot and have them shot ... I mean hey sometime, somewhere one of them might go berserk ... better not take the chance huh?

We are talking about children in a closed environment that have a natural curiosity for animals. Going kind of overboard with your reply, aren't ya'?

[taclandude]

This one sure is a head-scratcher, ain't it? On one hand, I agree that the dog should be allowed in the classroom to do his job. On the other hand, I also agree that the other children need to be considered too. My wife is a grade-school teacher and can't have classroom pets because every year there is someone who is allergic to anything with fur; hence me ending up with numurous "critters" at home that didn't last in the classroom.
And yes, I have forbid her from getting any more pets. The zoo is closed.

[Fletchaircarpent]

jerk of the year? how about weener