Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Culture, Religion, & Diet I taught fifth graders in a public school in a military community. Each year, (to my delight)the principal assigned me as many Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students(CLDS)as he could. One year Shalma, an Islamic student, joined the class in the spring. She was the first known Islamic student to enroll in the school. Two pertinent facts: 1. Salma wore the traditional Hijab and abaya each day. 2. I had informed the cafeteria staff about Salma's dietary laws and needs(including that fact that she was not to even touch unclean foods nor eat anything that touched it). One day Shalma was served ham in the cafeteria. She explained that she could not eat it and was told, "Well, just take it off and eat the rest." Quantasha, an African American peer who was next in line told Ms. Deb, the cafeteria staff member, "She can't just take it off. It's unclean to her. You have to make her a new lunch. Quantasha was sent to the principal's office for disrespecting Ms. Deb, and the whole class was put on silent lunch. When I returned, I inquired of the paraprofessional in charge why the class was given silent lunch. She informed me that they were loud and rude to the lunchroom staff. What can be done to prevent this kind of situation from happening? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) This is disheartening to hear that something like this happened. I understand, for Ms. Deb, that this was an inconvenience, however, that is not up to her to make those sort of decisions. Shalma has specific dietary needs and these should be respected the same as someone with a food allergy. I am saddened her friend, who stuck up for her needs, was punished as well. Ms. Deb needs to have a sit down with the principal and possibly Shalma's parents to hear why she is unable to eat ham, or anything that it touches. Sometimes people fear what they do not know and because of this she was unwilling to get her a new plate.