An elementary school in Georgia has banned students from bringing in birthday snacks in order to “create a positive environment for students,” the Newnan Times-Herald reports.
Brook Elementary School’s new policy, which will bar birthday cupcakes, cookies, or cake, is meant to prevent students with dietary restrictions from feeling left out.
“When parents have brought in goodies for birthdays, oftentimes these children are not included in the snack because of dietary restrictions and have felt left out,” principal Dr. Julie Raschen told the Times–Herald.“Parents can still send in treats for their child’s birthday, we just ask that they not be food items.”
She said that approximately 10 percent of the school’s students have food allergies, including to peanuts and gluten.
While safety is a concern, Raschen explained, the policy was also made with fairness in mind. “We are also trying to create an environment in which all students feel included and not singled out,” she said.