AUSTIN, Texas — Lake Travis ISD is looking at changing its food allergy policies in the wake of a controversial incident that occurred in fall 2023 with one of its students.
On Wednesday night, district officials met to discuss the changes. Among them is a policy to mandate that all staff learn about allergic reactions every fall semester, as opposed to once a year.
The controversy arose after district leaders said in November that a student with a peanut allergy who played on the Lake Travis football team was exposed to peanuts in his locker after they were put there by his teammates. The student's mother said the players behind the incident faced few consequences, which prompted her to call for stricter rules and policy changes.
While the district discussed the possible changes, some questions were raised on how the new rules would be enforced.
"What happens when plan is not followed or adhered to? So, what are the possible repercussions of someone not following the plan purposely, not following the plan?" Lake Travis ISD trustee Phillip Davis said at Wednesday's meeting.
A number of board members also indicated that they would prefer to see all staff members trained on how to use EpiPens.