A school district in Tennessee has implemented a new attendance policy that no longer accepts doctor's notes as an excuse for a child's absence, sparking outrage among parents on social media. The Lawrence County School System Board of Education's policy states that absences are not classified as excused or unexcused, and regular illness is not listed as a permitted reason for absence.
Director of Schools Michael Adkins defended the policy, saying, 'If you have the sniffles, that is fine. You are going to have them when you go to work one day. We have all gone to work sick and hurt and beat up.' The policy allows exemptions only for specific circumstances, such as a death in the family, religious observance, court summons, school-endorsed or military activities, or circumstances beyond the student's control. Chronic illness verified by a licensed medical provider in Tennessee is also permitted, but there is no option for doctors to verify a child's absence due to sickness or injury.
Sanctions for multiple truancy incidents include loss of school event privileges and referral to juvenile court. The policy also targets 'chronic absenteeism,' defined as missing 10 percent or more of class time, which will result in automatic failure of subjects and grades regardless of academic performance.
Social media users reacted with anger, with one writing, 'I hope teachers send kids to his office to throw up.' Another questioned, 'Where were the parents when this type of policy was being passed?' The policy comes amid a rise in childhood diseases, including a severe flu season and a measles outbreak, as well as a study showing increased rates of chronic conditions among U.S. children.
