June 12, 2008

HIV Notifications to Continue in South Carolina Schools

Just weeks after the South Carolina House of Representatives eliminated the state-mandated notification of faculty and administration if HIV-positive students are enrolled in their schools, Governor Mark Sanford has called for a reinstatement of the policy, local NBC affiliate WIS 10 reports (wistv.com, 6/12).

According to the article, Sanford issued a veto message on June 11, calling for the restoration of the required notification. Sanford says that while he is an advocate for privacy rights, he, as a parent, would like to be informed if a child living with HIV or hepatitis C were in his child’s class or sports team.

Supporters of the legislation that would have ended notification feel that the current law discourages students from being tested for HIV.

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Mike, Jackson, MS, 2008-06-19 08:23:59
Ok. Although I personally agree with school administrators being aware of a student's HIV (or TB or HepC)status, I do not believe that a Governor, or any other parent or politician, should have the right to know this information of a "child living with ... in his child's class or sports team". As typical, this is far right conservatism and pushing the window too far. The reason I believe administrators should know, is that they are in direct supervision and care of minors.