Hi -
My children have been enrolled in an international bible study group - called Bible Study Fellowship - for 7 years. Suddenly they have come with a policy that states if your child has a EPIpen, they may not enroll. Two of my children have EPIpens because of food allergies, so they (and therefore the rest of us) cannot attend anymore. They are a religious organization, so they are exempt from the ADA. I still feel like this policy is wrong, and I'd like for them to change it. They have 1000 classes worldwide so I know we are not the only family affected by this. Please let me know if this has happened to you. Perhaps if we all band together, we could get the attention of those at BSF headquarters.
Thank you,
Angie Morris
I haven't experienced anything like this in the religious realm, however, when I first read what you wrote, I couldn't help but think that not including your children isn't really what the bible teaches about love, is it.
I would probably get to the bottom of why they say this, I'm guessing they think they are not trained to deal with this type of emergency. At least they are honest, but maybe you could work something out. It sounds like they need a lot of education on this.
One more thought, you might want to try posting this under the school section. You may get more responses.
My local church hosts BSF and I was told oh about 4 years or so ago that we were not welcome to attend because my sons all carry EPI pens. They told me that it was a decision made by the main organization and not my local church because they are a international organization and BSF wanted the same rules to apply accross the board. I was told that in some locations (states or contries not sure which) that EPI pens may only be given by trained personell (???its not rockect science to use one so I dont get it) and that the BSF teachers are not allowed to administer meds of any kind.
I have always had and nursing infant (also not welcome) so never pushed it. Now that my youngest is 2 and allowed in the program...........
I've read a few threads about this and I agree-it sure seems to go against what the bible teaches. Like someone said in an old thread: Jesus said let the children come to me...as long as they don't carry an epi pen.
it's my belief Christians pick and choose what commandments they want to follow; but that's just ridiculous. The chances of a child having an attack at a bible group is less then that at school. Have you sat down with the pastor (who ever is running it) yet and explained to them what you think?
November 2008 my son and I reenrolled at Bible Study Fellowship in Annapolis for the mens night class. So after the level 1 bsf leader approached my son at church he personally invited him(knowing of the allergy). That night we were told that his epi pen and peanut allergy has eliminated him from attendance and we were told to leave. I called San Antonio (headquarters) and they told me that they have saved thousands of lives worldwide with this policy. What a joke...How many died at BSF in the last 30 years? NONE! So this came as a result of a overly letigous parent who sued after a childs reaction. So now none can come. This violates the americans with diabilities act and BSF intenational could lose their tax exempt status because they are a 403b religous exemption. So if anyone dares sue BSF they would win against them. I have not because I feel lawsuits among believers are wrong. But their failure to submitt to Gods authority needs addressing. I suggested a waiver of liability but no dice. If they discriminated over race then they would have been crushed.
I signed up for BSF class a couple years ago and after signing up they told me I would have to find another means of daycare for one of my sons due to food allergies. They did admit they do not feed the kids while they are there but that didnt matter.. said it was policy. Personally I thought it was rediculous but found better things to do with our time. The lady that I spoke with was trying to be nice but asked if I couldnt just bring my other son and leave my son with food allergies in the care of someone else. I was quite offended as I thought if he was going to have a reaction I would rather be in the same building. My other question is do they exclude kids with seizure disorders, diabeties, etc.. etc...
I wrote several letters to them. I hope it makes a dent. Their lawyers have advised them to follow this discriminatory policy. the way things are going one day one of those in charge or one of those lawyers will end up with a FA child in their family and hopefully see the error in their policy. It is of course against what they preach and a very bad face for their religion.
[b]it's my belief Christians pick and choose what commandments they want to follow[/b]
Love the overgeneralization of those with the Christian faith. Do you also judge Muslims, the Jewish?
[b]The chances of a child having an attack at a bible group is less then that at school.[/b]
Really? What study shows this to be true?
That's so weird. I had a friend from church invite us to BSF because she knows my kids are homeschooled due to their allergies... she thought if would be a fun thing for them to do (to help avoid boredom).
I am still planning on going... I'm sure they would let me administer the Epi-pen Jr. if the need arose! I have no problem if they feel uncomfortable doing it as long as I'm allowed to be there and do it... which, from my understanding, I am.