Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
The Associated Press - 10 Aug 95
Parents, health professionals and a handful of students asked the school board Tuesday to end the program that began three years ago. The tests were offered in five of the county's eight high schools.
"You have stepped over the line of being educators and moved into the role of a parent," parent Darlene Jurszinski told the board before its 4-1 vote.
The program was described as the first time a public agency tested schoolchildren for the virus that causes AIDS. Parents had to sign permission slips, but students did not have to reveal the results.
Proponents have said the testing may have contributed to a decline in the number of AIDS cases among Lee County youth. Cassandra Pittman, 14, said she supported the program.
"Let's face it: AIDS is real," she said. "It is real; it is strong; it is claiming lives; let's stop it now."
Copyright 1995/The Associated Press. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Permissions Desk, The Associated Press, 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020.
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Copyright © 1995 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
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