No Service Dog Allowed: Principal Defies Ruling
http://gothamist.com/2008/03/12/no_dogs_allowed.php
In violation of a ruling by New York State's Human Rights Division,
the principal of W. Tresper Clarke High School stood in the
schoolhouse doorway and refused entrance to 15-year-old John Cave
yesterday, as long as he had his service dog with him. Cave is a deaf
teenager with cochlear implants, and this week, the state's Human
Rights Division Commissioner Kumiki Gibson declared the school
violated two provisions of the Human Rights law (PDF) and ordered
that Cave and his service dog Simba be allowed in school.
Normally, when the HRD hands down a decision, it's followed. However,
East Meadow School District Superintendent Leon Campo said the Nassau
County school district will hold out for a court order before it will
admit Cave's dog Simba. Principal Timothy Voels and a sign language
translator were waiting for Cave and Simba at the entrance and laid
down the law, so the teen and his service dog went home without
attending any classes yesterday.
According to Newsday, Simba is "trained to alert Cave to noises and
oncoming vehicles. But school officials think the Labrador Retriever
could aggravate or serve as a distraction to students with severe
allergies and would pose a danger during fire and emergency lockdown
drills. Cave's family countered that the 1,500-student school could
be outfitted with air filters. They are also filing a lawsuit for
$150 million against the school district for violation of his human rights.
When
will this school district learn that they are fighting a losing battle
violating a students Human Rights for having his service dog not
attending classes with him.
Not only is this a violation of young Master Cave's human rights, but also the school is violating his ADA rights as well.
WAKE UP EAST MEADOW SCHOOL DISTRICT you need to get with the program.
Sharon
| | Posted by Shari at 9:35 PM - | |
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