An open letter to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office.
I have a great deal of respect for the officers that put their lives on the line everyday. It’s a job I couldn’t do. I will defend you for what you do. Thank you.
As a citizen of this parish I must voice a personal concern. Earlier today my husband and I came to the courthouse to be finger printed for some legal paperwork we needed to complete. I was confronted by the officers at the door for not wearing a mask. I know that they are doing their job.
I chose to put one on because we had to have the finger prints done… I was not given any “reasonable accommodation”, according to ADA guidelines, that would allow me the right to have my fingerprints done with out wearing one.
As a person who has experienced horrific rape, sodomy and torture, wearing a mask brings on terrifying panic attacks.
One of the kind ladies doing the finger printing worked quickly so that I could get out as soon as possible while another woman stood behind me bullying me to put the mask up over my nose…. making the whole situation even worse.
I accommodated the mandate the best I could while trying not have a complete melt down right there. There are several witnesses who saw me falling a part as I ran out of the building.
The panic attack lasted for over an hour before I could finally get a grip.
While I understand these people are doing their jobs, I fail to understand the lack of respect for those who truly are in danger when a mandate like this is enforced without compassion or understanding for circumstances that don’t fit the boxes of those making the demands.Does the ADA apply for EVERY disabled citizen or just some?
I feel humiliated. I was unable to maintain my dignity in a public place.
I left sobbing uncontrollably for all to see.
When will there be justice for people like me? Is compliance more important than human dignity?