An Inclusive Litany

3/16/95

In a move to mollify allergy sufferers, the University of Minnesota School of Social Work invoked the Americans with Disabilities Acts in issuing a rule that prohibited students from wearing colognes or using shampoos that are "strongly scented."

The receptionist at the school told the Washington Post, "One day this woman wearing Gloria Vanderbilt [perfume] came up to the office. I could smell her before she hit the door. I was out of there fast." The Post noted that the receptionist "cannot be around anyone who has smoked a cigarette within the last half-hour—one co-worker who smokes has to store his coat in a box when he gets to the office." The receptionist also stated that she is very sensitive to the smell of cow manure.