Let the punishment fit the crime
The Dec. 27 story was much appreciated, as I had been wondering what, if any, consequences would follow this student’s dangerous actions [“4-day jail sentence for Wenatchee teen in peanut-butter smearing,” News].
I’m glad Judge Nancy Harmon realized the importance of some needed consequences to Joshua Hickson for his actions that could have led to life-threatening reactions in his fellow student.
Peanut allergies are no joke, and as a certificated school nurse, I’m constantly educating students, staff and families about emergency measures that are often necessary with exposure. We have Epi-Pens and other emergency medications at school, and write individual health plans for allergic students to keep them safe at school.
School nurses also notify school-bus drivers, food-service employees and playground staff about life-threatening allergies.
I hope this four-day jail sentence also includes some allergy/health information from Hickson’s school nurse. Congratulations to Police Officer Steve Evitt for his awareness of peanut allergies.
— Mary Myers, Kent