Anyone who’s been to high school knows pranks are common—but rarely life-threatening.
At Lake Travis High School, Texas, student-athlete Carter Mannon, who has a severe peanut allergy diagnosed in infancy, was targeted in a dangerous prank. Despite his teammates knowing about his condition, they allegedly scattered peanuts in his locker, jersey, and cleats.
Carter immediately broke out in hives and could have suffered a fatal reaction. Shockingly, the pranksters were only benched for two days and made to switch locker rooms. Carter, meanwhile, faced backlash and further harassment, including someone slipping a peanut butter granola bar into his backpack.
When his mother, Shawna Mannon, reported the incident, the school district ruled it didn’t meet the legal definition of bullying. Feeling unsafe, Carter ultimately transferred schools.