In a distressing incident at Lake Travis High School, Texas, 16-year-old Carter Mannon faced a severe allergic reaction when his football teammates deliberately placed peanuts in his locker, cleats, and jersey. Despite being aware of Mannon’s life-threatening peanut allergy, this act of insensitivity led to immediate physical repercussions for the teenager, including the outbreak of hives and the potential risk of anaphylactic shock.

The incident, which occurred in October, was not taken lightly by Mannon’s mother, Shawna Mannon, who shared the ordeal with PEOPLE magazine. According to Shawna, the response from Carter’s teammates varied, with some finding humor in the situation, while others recognized the gravity of their actions. Despite the mixed reactions, the school’s athletic department handled the disciplinary measures, which included benching the involved students for two days and mandating extra runs during practice.

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The aftermath of the incident was far from over for Carter, as he experienced ongoing verbal harassment and physical intimidation at school. This extended to his sister, a senior at the same school, who also faced taunting. In response, Shawna approached the school board, leading to an investigation into the matter. However, the Lake Travis Independent School District concluded that the actions did not meet the legal definition of bullying under the Texas Education Code.

Dissatisfied with the school’s handling of the situation and concerned for her son’s well-being, Shawna decided to transfer Carter to a different school. She has also taken legal steps by filing a complaint with the US Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights and is currently engaged in a grievance with the Lake Travis ISD.

In an effort to prevent such incidents in the future and protect children with severe allergies, Shawna is working with lobbyists to enact laws that would offer better protection and possibly redefine the concept of bullying in Texas. Her advocacy underscores the need for greater awareness and stricter policies to safeguard students with allergies in educational environments.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of allergies and the importance of empathy and responsibility in handling such sensitive health issues among peers. It also highlights the challenges in navigating and addressing bullying and harassment in schools, sparking a conversation on how such situations should be handled to ensure the safety and dignity of all students.