AR school district takes a step back in time, denies students until they prove they are not HIV
By Anomaly - September 16, 2013
In an Arkansas school district, three students have been the denied the right to attend school unless documentation proves they are not HIV positive.
Tom Massueau, Executive Director of DRC said, “The actions taken by the Superintendent of Pea Ridge School District are appalling and is reminiscent of times past and the case of Ryan White. The fact that the foster families have to provide documentation that the children are HIV negative before entering the school is unlawful and immoral. Further, the fact the school’s attorney authorized this unlawful act is at best appalling. It stigmatizes individuals with disabilities or their “perceived” disabilities as there is no indication these individuals have HIV. There is only an unlawful fear that they do.”
KNWA reports,”When contacted about the issue, Pea Ridge Superintendent Rick Neal would not confirm or deny the allegations but said they would be prepared to speak on the matter at a later time. In a letter sent to parents, the district cites district and Arkansas School Boards Association policy 4.34, in part, as the reasons for their decision. They also say they consulted the school district attorney and a private law firm.”
The DRC, explains that over the summer, the school district was going through a review of records when they found an evaluation on one of the boys that stated that the mother and one sibling were both HIV positive.
More at link:
http://freakoutnation.com/2013/09/16/arkansas-school-district-takes-a-step-back-in-time-denies-students-until-they-prove-they-are-not-hiv-positive/
More at this link that the article refers to:
http://www.nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news/disability-rights-group-students-kept-from-school-for-fear-of-hiv/d/fulltext-news/y1X-1Evv_kWeNiUfZdN1eQ#.UjOFqYLdFDE.facebook
The DU can decide if this wasjustified. Sure sounds like discrimintion to me...
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