EHS bans all allergen-containing foods after PTA raises concerns

Last Friday, Edina High School installed a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at each of the main entrances to stop any potential allergens from entering the building. Each checkpoint includes an X-ray scanner to screen backpacks, a millimeter wave scanner to detect traces of allergens on students, and an on-duty TSA agent to personally give each student a peanut smell test. 

This policy was first proposed by members of the Parent-Teacher Association. “My son is mildly allergic to peanuts. Last month, he almost came into contact with another student’s trail mix and experienced an inconvenience for the first time in his life. He was so traumatized, he couldn’t even go to lacrosse practice that night! The PTA and I decided we had to do something about the problem,” PTA member Karen Smith said. 

While this policy may be well thought out, it has become extremely unpopular among students. “EHS has gone way too far with this policy. At this point, the only food that’s allowed is water, and that’s not even a food. Honestly, it could be considered cruel and unusual punishment,” sophomore and aspiring lawyer Ryan Shoe said.

Additionally, this policy has resulted in a drastic decline in students’ Grade Point Averages. “I used to get up in the morning, brush my teeth, and grab a peanut butter granola bar to eat on the go before picking up my carpool. Because of this policy, I have to skip my daily granola bar, so I can’t focus in school because I am too hungry. Not that I really focused in school this semester anyways,” senior Kyla Young said. 

This policy has also come with significant backlash. While doors such as Doors 2, 4, and 7 were previously obsolete, they are now buzzing with activity as desperate students smuggle in allergens through these lesser used doors. Additionally, students have already begun an underground allergen trading ring. 

With all the backlash, the future of this policy is unknown. For now, EHS students can only hope that the administration will repeal this strict policy once and for all.