wi-fi in schools – EMF Safety Network

California court ruling upholds Wi-Fi disability case

A California appeals court has ruled that Wi-Fi sickness, also know as EHS, merits disability accommodation.

On February 18, 2021 a decision was entered in the case of Brown v. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) at the 2nd district Court of Appeals in California. The court concluded that “Brown adequately pled her cause of action for failure to provide reasonable accommodation for her disability.” They reversed a lower courts decision that had ruled in favor of LAUSD.

Brown is a teacher in the LAUSD school district. After the school upgraded their Wi-Fi system Brown experienced, “chronic pain, headaches, nausea, itching, burning sensations on her skin, ear issues, shortness of breath, inflammation, heart palpitations, respiratory complications, foggy headedness, and fatigue, all symptoms of Microwave Sickness or EHS.”

Brown sued LAUSD after efforts to obtain reasonable accommodations failed. The trial court ruled in favor of LAUSD. Brown appealed that decision and won. The appeals court based their decision on California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) which provides disability protections independent of, and above and beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Excerpt from the Decision:

“The Legislature has stated its intent that “physical disability” be construed so that employees are protected from discrimination due to actual or perceived physical impairment that is disabling, potentially disabling, or perceived as disabling or potentially disabling.”

“FEHA states a “physical disability” includes, but is not limited to, “any physiological disease, disorder, condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss that does both of the following: Affects one or more of the following body systems: neurological, immunological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory, including speech organs, cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine…Limits a major life activity…`Major life activities’ shall be broadly construed and includes physical, mental, and social activities and working.”

You can read the decision here: Brown vs LAUSD

JML Law Wins Appeal in ‘Unprecedented’ Disability Case Against LAUSD For Failure to Accommodate Teacher With Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity https://www.accesswire.com/viewarticle.aspx?id=637661&token=hzivngfkuma2h2xz6rhu

Changing the conversation on wireless in schools

Palo Alto is in the heart of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants like Google, Apple and HP. In December 2016 the Palo Alto Unified School District discussed the need to mitigate the health risks of wireless as they plan to renew their internet technology systems.

Medical doctor Ann Lee talks to the board about her son who was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age five, and has chest pain in the library where there are seven wi-fi routers. Dr. Lee reviews the science supporting the connection between health effects and wi-fi. Peter Sullivan of Clear Light Ventures suggests strategies for reducing wireless, like eco-wi-fi and using a wired computer system.

One board member said, “We have had medical experience with electromagnetic hypersensitivity and it’s quite a real phenomenon”. Another spoke in support of precautionary moves away from wireless, and a third asked for a safety plan.

This school board has been educated over time, which allows them the knowledge to speak out in favor of safety. What every school board needs: more education.

Watch from 2:59:19 to 3:13:36 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UapcQ29ciro&start=10745&width=420&height=315

Harmful effects of smart meters, cell phones and wireless by Jerry Flynn, military radio expert

Jerry Flynn is retired Captain in the Communications Electronics Engineering Branch from the Canadian Armed Forces. He extensively studied radio communications, including radio and antenna theory, the radio frequency spectrum, radar and telephone systems, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and more.

Doctors say wireless impacts children

Child Psychiatrist cautions about technology effects

This is an excellent video by psychiatrist, Victoria L. Dunckley, MD, on interactive screen time how it affects children’s behavior, nervous system, brain, and well being. She puts kids on a 3-4 week technology fast to reset their health. She is the author of “Reset Your Child’s Brain“.

Dr. Oz: Could your smart phone cause cancer in kids?

Dr. Oz and Dr. Lisa Thornton talk about how wireless devices are affecting kids’ health. Dr. Thornton is a pediatrician and the Medical Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation at the Kids’ Rehab in Chicago. She says our children are in danger. This video is now unavailable.

Stop cell towers on 73 public schools in Prince George’s County

Parents and residents in Prince George’s County Maryland have started a campaign “Safe Schools for Prince George’s County” to stop the construction of cell towers on 73 school grounds citing safety, property devaluation, lack of community notice, zoning issues, and health issues from wireless radiation exposure. Several cell towers are moving forward despite community opposition.

Many parents had no idea of these plans for their child’s school. Residents near schools were also not notified. Parents are rightly concerned about their children’s health.

Dr. Martha Herbert, pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School
“EMF/RFR from wifi and cell towers can exert a disorganizing effect on the ability to learn and remember, and can also be destabilizing to immune and metabolic function. This will make it harder for some children to learn, particularly those who are already having problems in the first place.”

The Coalition is calling for a cancellation of all cell-tower contracts.

Sign their petition: Stop Cell Towers on Prince George’s County Schools

Visit their website for more information: http://www.SafeSchoolsPG.org

Contact them to donate or help out: safeschoolspg@gmail.com

Santa Clara County MD warns: Internet and Wi-Fi in schools can affect learning

Cindy Lee Russell, M.D., Vice President of Community Health, Santa Clara County Medical Association wrote an article warning about the health risks of technology in schools: Shallow Minds: How the Internet and Wi–Fi in Schools Can Affect Learning

Dr. Russell writes: “There are a host of concerns with classroom technology, and the virtual world it creates, that have not been explored in the rush to “modernize” education and prevent our kids from becoming “computer illiterate,” despite the fact that computers are designed for ease of use. These issues range from distraction in the classroom, impairment of cognitive development and long-term memory, deficiency in learning social skills, Internet addiction, cyber bullying, access to inappropriate content, eye fatigue,and security risks to online learning networks. In addition, the sheer cost of computers and continuous upgrades is likely to break many school budgets. We have not mentioned the issue of toxic e-waste, another growing public health problem.”

“We will not get rid of the Internet or computers. We should not ignore, however, the enlarging body of science that points to real threats to public health and, especially, our children’s safety and well-being. The best approach is precautionary. Reduce the risk by reducing the microwave emissions. It is our obligation as physicians and parents to protect our children. They are the future and our legacy.”

Dr. Russell recommends:

Remove wireless devices (white boards and routers) in schools in favor of wired connections and fiberoptic.
If there is Wi-Fi, then give teachers the authority to turn it off when not in use or if they feel it is not necessary.
Ban cell towers near or on schools.
Limit screen time on computers.
Limit or ban cell phone use in the class
Limit or ban cell phone use at home
Do not allow laptops to be placed on laps
Undertake independent scientific studies on Wi-Fi and computer use that look at acute and long-term health effects.
Train teachers how to recognize symptoms of EMF reactions.
Conduct meetings with parents and teachers to address this issue in each school.

Dr. Russel cites the science, international actions, and provides a reference list. This is an excellent paper to give to school principals and administrators.