Series 5000: Students

Scientific studies show that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or ARC (AIDS Related Complex), is transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected individual or through exposure to contaminated blood or needles. There is no evidence to support the notion that the HIV virus can be transmitted through ordinary school or household activities, e.g. coughing, sneezing, hugging, sharing of utensils or food, or shaking hands

The anonymity of individuals with HIV infection or AIDS is protected by law. Moreover, individuals with HIV infection or AIDS are protected from discrimination by both federal and state laws. Neither attendance at school nor employment may be denied to an individual with HIV infection or AIDS. It is the policy of the District that no student or staff member with HIV infection or AIDS may be prohibited from attending school/employment unless there is an immediate risk of injury or harm to the individual or to others

Because the diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS is a confidential matter between the individual student or staff member and his or her physician, the District may be unaware of the diagnosis. Consequently, the Board of Education has adopted a policy of "universal precautions" which protects all students and staff from contact with blood and body fluids of others. These precautions are enumerated in the Blood Borne Pathogen policy

(cf. 4147.1/4247.1 - Bloodborne Pathogens)

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

10-76(d)(15) Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services

10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student

10-207 Duties of medical advisors 10-209 Records not to be public

10-210 Notice of disease to be given parent or guardian

19a-221 Quarantine of certain persons

19a-581-585 AIDS testing and medical information

20 U.S.C. 7906, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Policy adopted: February 12, 2018 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut