Mark's Mom, I can only imagine how hard you have had to work as an advocate at times.

But almost every post here has been adversarial.

donlp1 has my vote:
No problems no hassle.
Just ask! You might be surprised to learn that some people are nicer when simply asked than when threatened with a legal suit, or bad publicity.

My work has a very strict dress code. So I sent HR an email asking if I could wear a kilt. Answer: "No problem, as long as you follow the remaining rules."

I suggest simply asking the two involved (Dr. Carroll, Mr. Biggs) in allowing exceptions, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

The time for the big guns is after you have been denied, not before.