Among other contagious diseases that no caring parent would want their child to contract, head lice is definitely serious and incredibly annoying to deal with. Yet, one school district in Michigan is telling parents that students with head lice are not exempt from attending class. Not only that, but in a letter forwarded to the kids’ parents, the school board also encouraged attendance for children with cold symptoms, mild skin issues, and eye problems.
Understandably upset with this letter, one parent from the Michigan school district posted to r/mildlyinfuriating, complaining about how they are being encouraged to send their kids to school “sick and with head lice to meet attendance goals.” Of course, there’s no clear evidence that this is the case, but it’s hard not to argue that having sick kids with head lice is a highly questionable decision. And plenty of people in the post’s comment section agree.
“Lol trying to ‘boost’ attendance wile simultaneously ensuring more kids get sick and have to stay home. Good job 🤦🏻♀️,” a commenter praised sarcastically. One response pointed out that the fact that Kaiser, a health insurance company, was stamped at the bottom of the letter was incredibly telling. “Perfect way to boost attendance and tank public health,” remarked another. “Head lice is not a minor issue. It needs to be contained when found so there is no infestation bc they breed like roaches!” exclaimed a third.
Children Attending School With Head Lice Could Easily Cause an Outbreak
Many more Reddit users wholeheartedly agreed that head lice is no small issue, on top of having sick children attend school to spread disease easily. “Sending the kids to school if they have lice that’s crazy,” said one commenter. “Real quick way to have a schoolwide outbreak and then everybody’s out.” “Head lice, pink eye, strep throat and a few others I forgot are ALL highly contagious,” added a second.
While there are likely ignorant or inconsiderate parents who will send their children to school regardless of illnesses or head lice, hopefully, some will stand up to the ridiculous demands of the letter. A complaint or two to the city’s or state’s higher-ups also might be in order if an outbreak really does occur.
