Ep. 12: Civil Rights Advocacy: Responding to the CDC's Interim Guidance and Meals in the Classroom

In this episode, FAACT's General Council and Vice President of Civil Rights Advocacy, Amelia G. Smith, JD, details FAACT's position and response to the CDC's new guidelines, including the suggestion to eat meals in the classroom. Ms. Smith discusses FAACT's concerns and suggestions provided to the CDC to avoid denying students with food allergies a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In addition, Ms. Smith discusses FAACT's current goals in advocating to the USDA on behalf of students living with food allergies, including students facing food insecurity and those having difficulties with receiving safe meals through the USDA's school nutrition programs.

To keep you in the know, here are some helpful links:

Special Note:  Please reach out to Ms. Smith directly if you are experiencing challenges regarding 504 accomodations or receiving meals which are no longer safe and appropriate for your student at Amelia.Smith@FoodAllergyAwareness.org. 

• Read FAACT's Position Statement and Letter to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the CDC's Interim Guidance and Meals in the Classroom here.
• Read the CDC's Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs here.
• Read Secretary DeVos' press release regarding individualized education for all students, including those with disabilities here.
• Keep up-to-date by visiting FAACT's Civil Rights Advocacy web page.  

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Thanks for listening! FAACT invites you to discover more exciting food allergy resources at FoodAllergyAwareness.org!