Lawrence County No Longer Accepts Doctor Notes

By Isabella Pena

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    Many students and adults throughout the world are familiar with illness and the occasional sick day, some more than others. How would it affect all people if the body isn’t allowed its needed time of rest during these periods of sickness? In Lawrence County, Tennessee, we can see that question being answered today. 

   Issued on June 22nd, 2023 (06/22/23), and revised just four days later (06/26/23), under the descriptor term of “attendance”. Inside this, it is specifically stated: “The principal may waive an absence for the following: 1. death in the family; 2. religious observances; 3. chronic illness verified by a licensed medical provider practicing in Tennessee. Pregnancy-related issues, physician visits, and birth are all considered chronic illnesses.” How fair is this for students who have any number of chronic illnesses? 

   In Lawrence County, the new policy specifically states a child AND parent must meet with the principal and/or their designee to prepare special arrangements. Although a wonderful adaptation for those who would be severely harmed by the policy, it does not apply to average students or those with weaker-than-average immune systems. The specific language used in the policy also allows wiggle room for teachers or administrators within the county to be more or less harsh on absences, as only absence in the singular form is used to describe what the principal may waive.

   The average child in Lawrence County would and does have to provide proof that they were absent, or even attend school while still sick. There is no doubt that this policy has brought more germs into the schools of the district, which includes elementary and public schools. This also gives way for illnesses to not only affect students and infect those children, but also carry those germs home and infect vulnerable relatives. This can not only negatively affect all students’ physical health in Lawrence County, but also possibly their mental health due to no allowed time to recover during sickness, students’ families, and communities where these families live.

   In theory, refusing to accept doctors’ notes would fix mass attendance issues and fake notes given to administrative offices within schools. But it also does more than that when applied to reality, such as harming those who are sick for real. School is demanding enough on growing children’s schedules, taking up 19% (6.3 hours) of the average child’s day. This doesn’t include homework time, which is 2.7 hours on average every weeknight for high school students alone. All of this involvement in school takes a heavy toll on a child’s physical and mental health, and not allowing the human body to rest when it is sick and needs it the most can be detrimental to a child’s body.