Seminole County parents get request from teacher to keep classroom scent-free

A Seminole County mother said she was caught completely off guard when she received a letter from her child’s school saying the classroom had to be scent-free.

The letter from Sterling Park Elementary School said certain scents would make the teacher sick.

“It shocked me. I’d never heard of it,” said the mother, who asked not to be identified to protect the identity of her 8-year-old.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — She said she received a second latter from her son's teacher with a list of products to avoid including, common perfumes, detergents, big spray, sunscreen, all natural oils and deodorants.

On @WFTV Some Seminole Co parents frustrated over request 2 accommodate their child's elementary school teacher's allergies. #WFTV4 pic.twitter.com/R6NMWfJaaG
— Angela Jacobs WFTV (@AngelaJacobsTV) July 27, 2017

She said it’s an especially tough request since she does regularly does laundry for seven people.

“There (are) so many people in this house. There’s no way I can accommodate that,” she said. “I don’t have the funds to go out and buy unscented products.”

The school said the teacher suffers from a condition called multiple chemical sensitivities, knows as MCS.

For people who have it, various scents can trigger an asthma attack.

A Disney worker claimed in May she was forced to quit her job because of the same condition.

Among the many comments on a community Facebook page, there was support and criticism.

“I mean, 20-plus kids in the classroom and then their families having to change everything,” said the mother.

In a statement, the principal said it only affects one classroom so parents can request a different teacher.

Some parents claim the teacher has been at the school for years.

On @WFTV School says parents who can't abide by fragrance free request can request to move child to another class #WFTV4 pic.twitter.com/Cz6NKHKxes
— Angela Jacobs WFTV (@AngelaJacobsTV) July 27, 2017