Mounties Asked To Smell Out Their Man
Hunting down a man is one thing, but what about sniffing him out?
That's the challenge the Canadian Mounties are facing, with a complaint from a Canadian high school teacher who called in the Mounties to crack down on a teenager whose fragrance is allegedly making her sick.
17-year-old Gary Falkenham has already been suspended once, for two days, from his high school in Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia, a small rural community outside Halifax, because of his violation of the school policy banning perfumes, aftershave, scented hairsprays and scented deodorants.
High school teacher Tanya MacDonald filed the complaint that prompted the suspension and also made the call to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Falkenham's mother, Shelley, doesn't believe her son's favorite hair gel and deodorant pose any kind of public health risk. "I remember going to school just reeking of scented hair products when I was young. There were no problems back them. It's got me totally puzzled and confused."
The situation is so bad, says Shelley Falkenham, that some students claim that teachers sniff them on arrival at school dances, to ensure they are scent-free. She said this is no way to treat young people who are concerned about their personal appearance and hygiene.
She is unwavering in her support of her son. "We're going to stand behind him 100 percent no matter what happens, even if they were to kick him out for the rest of the year."
Police say they have decided not to pursue criminal charges, although the teenager is scheduled to go in for more questioning.
School vice principal Paulette Tate says the "no-scent policy" came in response to complaints from students and staff about illnesses linked to air quality at the school.
The school is one of many in the Halifax area with bans on strong perfumes and fragrances. Municipal buildings and a growing number of private companies have also joined the movement toward scent-free environments.
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