School says girl can't bring diabetes service dog to class
»Play Video
TUALATIN, Ore. - After she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, Anika Bjornson, a 5th grader from Tualatin, had enough to worry about.
Irritability, dangerous complications from low blood sugar, even comas were all concerns.
But now Bjornson must also switch schools in order to bring her trained service dog to class with her.
Bjornson, who suffers from Type I diabetes, takes her 9-month-old lab, Bassie, with her everywhere she goes. Bassie is professionally trained to detect changes in blood sugar using scent and “paws” the 10 year old when her sugar is too high or too low.
That’s how Bjornson knows to prick her finger and conduct a more detailed blood test.
"I would feel really hot and shaky, like I couldn't really balance myself," Bjornson said.
She and her mom, Debbie, recently asked her school permission to bring the service animal to class with her, thinking they were covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
But the school, Horizon Christian Elementary, said no.
Bjornson says school administrators worried other kids might suffer from pet allergies, classmates would be too distracted by the dog, or Bassie would simply make a mess in the school building.
Bassie seems to fit the legal definition of a qualified service dog under the Americans With Disabilities Act, since he is “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities,” according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
And the Justice Department also says that schools can’t deny service animals access simply because some kids might be allergic.
But KATU News found that Horizon Christian School is completely within its right to keep Bassie out.
Since the school is a religious organization, the rules laid out in the Americans with Disabilities Act don't apply in this case.
Speaking off camera, a school representative said the school is sorry, but they are doing what's best for other students.
Bjornson is now transferring to public school, where the service animal must be allowed.
"The teacher requested me," she said. "He wanted me in his class because he loves animals."
The school might be withing it's legal rights, but it's certainly not following moral responsibility. Â And a church no less. Â What an example they set.
She'll most likely get a better education at a school that want's her, and her service dog there. People can learn a lot from a dog. Shame on Horizon Christian Elementary School for being so short sighted.
I love that the teacher chose her "because he loves animals." That sounds like a wonderful start for her at her new school.
I feel sorry for this little girl being ill with diabetes, and I am glad that she has found a way to deal with her problem the best that she can. I like the idea that she is transferring to a different school, because we very much need to have the balance in society provided by private schools and home schooling. If we continue getting the Government involved in every aspect of dispute settlement, we are in serious trouble. I personally already see us as in serious touble with all the rules and regulations. People used to be able to figure out things for and amongst themselves. Oh, sure there were always exceptions, but generally things worked pretty good without Government involvement. People are different, they have different ideas, different cultures, different ways of resolving problems, and therefore there has to be some independent dispute resolution authority available for the general stabilization of society, but only as a general stabilization. When we start to knit pick every single situation we are in serious trouble.
Have to agree no dogs at school.
 @givupongod It isn't a normal 'pet'. It is a service animal. Either we let them be 'service' animals or we don't. If there is a way for the child to know when to check for her blood sugar irregularities if she herself cannot know, why are we stopping her for something ridiculous?Â
 @givupongod Well that's a surprising position. I usually agree with you. Why do you say that? It's for something that is life-threatening.Â
 @PleaseBeSmart I just see it as opening the door for everyone to bring their dog to school. Just like too many people bring their dog to walmart now. And I understand it is not a normal pet. Just don't think it is a good idea.
 @givupongod Except not everyone has a disability that benefits from a service dog, so it's not at all opening the door for everyone to bring their dog to school. As for the disabled taking their dog with them to public places, that door has been open for a loooooong time. The only reason the school isn't forced to accept the dog is it is a religious school, so she is transferring to a public school. The dog can tell her blood sugar is off 20 minutes before the meter can. That's clearly necessary.Â
lawsuit !!!
 @LanecoRes No, not since it's a religious school.
that dog has more soul and teaching ability than half the teachers.Â