[nagdu] Fwd: Tennessee Board Response- Read and Your Thoughts

[Jimmy via nagdu]

Subject: Fwd: Tennessee Board Response- Read and Your Thoughts
>>> Dear Nagdu family, and friends, 
> 	 As you may know, The Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users, a proud division of the NFB,  has been attempting to work with a few counties school systems (Blount, and McMinn)   in TN due to their  school policies  discriminating  against service dog users and clearly  conflicting  with TN state and ADA law.  See the policy here:
> McMinn County Schools
> TN had its state laws  updated A year ago now, and it is sad to see that some feel that such laws can be completely disregarded.  The Disability Law and Advocacy  Center of TN told us (TAGDU) , to speak with the TN Board of Education, since the board was referred to us when we attempted to speak with McMinn County's school board.  Note below their  response...What are your thoughts as to their towne and what suggestions do you have?
> 
> Sincerely 
> James Boehm
> 901-483-1515
> The response from TVBOE
> 
>>> From: Loniel Greene <lgreene at tsba.net>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2014 7:49 AM
>>> To: Kathryn Womack
>>> Cc: Lee Harrell
>>> Subject: RE: Request for response!
>>>  
>>> Kathryn:
>>> 
>>> We have received and reviewed the documentation you previously submitted. Please note that in my original email I stated that  if we determined that changes were needed, we would address those matters with the appropriate school board officials. It would be improper to discuss those matters (and resolution of those matters) with external entities.  Thanks for your email.
>>> 
>>>  
>>> Loniel Greene Jr.
>>> 
>>> Director of Policy Services & Staff Attorney
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>>> Tennessee School Boards Association
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>>> 525 Brick Church Park Drive
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>>> Nashville, Tennessee 37207
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>>> 615.815.3906 (office)
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>>> 615.815.3911 (fax)
>>> 
>>> lgreene at tsba.net
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>>> I Support Local Schools, Local Decisions!
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>>> DISCLAIMER:  TSBA provides legal education and information as a general service to TSBA  members.  The information provided here does not establish an attorney client relationship.  Additionally, the information provided should not be interpreted or used as a substitute for a legal opinion from a school attorney.  Before making legal decisions, school boards and administrators should consult with their attorney or other qualified counsel.
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>>> From: Kathryn Womack [mailto:kgw2g at mtmail.mtsu.edu] 
>>> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 4:55 PM
>>> To: Loniel Greene
>>> Subject: Request for response!
>>> 
>>>  
>>> Hello Loniel!
>>> 
>>> I am writing you to request a response. Three weeks ago I sent you very specific documentation regarding issues with the McMinn County Service Animal policy. Our organization would like to know if you are still willing to assist with the change and/or removal of this policy? Have you reviewed the policy and our documentation of the problems? Your response is strongly necessary. 
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>>> We are aware now of where this policy came from. McMinn County adopted it from Blount county, so that means the issue is larger than we thought. We have been trying to figure out if there is a way we can address this in a larger manner rather than in just one county. It seems as though some guidelines for structure of service animal policies should be made and posted with TSBA and the Tennessee States School Board.  Your input is welcome.
>>> 
>>> Please understand this is not a matter that should be disregarded, it is more important than it may seem. The Tennessee Association of Guide Dog Users only wants to ensure that students, parents, employees, and visitors with guide dogs are not denied access or treated unfairly by being expected to comply with policies that are in violation of the law. We are here to educate the state about the use and proper etiquette of guide dogs, not to dispute with businesses or institutions. We develop healthy relationships within the community and with public officials to help us do this.
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>>> I hope to find you and the TSBA still interested in working with us in our push for change. Regardless though, this is a matter that we're going to pursue. As I stated above, it is a crucial issue, especially if these policies are ever adhered to. Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working with you regarding this situation!
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>>> Sincerely,
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>>>  
>>> Kathryn Womack 
>>> 
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