All Canadian children have a right to a safe education in the public school system. Children with anaphylaxis deserve no less. As a parent, however, I believe that this should not have to be fought out in the courts or before human-rights tribunals. This is an issue about community and social responsibility. Schools are public institutions to which we entrust our children on the assumption that they will be educated and kept safe.
Schools are also, outside of the family, often the first community to which our children belong.
When one member of a community is in danger, one hopes that other members will rally behind that individual, even if support is not always the most convenient option. The extent to which we demonstrate this to our children will shape their vision of community and responsibility. Children with anaphylaxis are greatly limited in their ability to participate in social life. Most only eat food made at home. Birthday parties, restaurant outings, school picnics and barbecues, Christmas and Halloween are severely limited for these children.