Westbury student and guide dog denied access again

A hearing-impaired student was once again denied Tuesday the right to bring his guide dog to into his Westbury school. W. Tresper Clarke High School, which is part of the East Meadow School District,

News 12 Staff

Oct 9, 2007, 5:30 PM

Updated 6,189 days ago

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A hearing-impaired student was once again denied Tuesday the right to bring his guide dog to into his Westbury school.
W. Tresper Clarke High School, which is part of the East Meadow School District, re-affirmed that 14-year-old John Cave is not allowed to take his guide dog, Simba, to class. The Cave family, however, maintains that John needs the dog to alert him in case of an emergency.
Nancy Cave, John's mother, said there are laws on the books that allow dogs in schools. She says the laws are clear cut and feels the school is just giving her family the runaround.
The attorney representing the family says it is the dog who is suffering through all of this because he needs to be with John in order to maintain the training he has had.
School officials say it would be harmful to allow the dog in class because other students and staff may be allergic.
The case now heads to state court.
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