Boy with cystic fibrosis gene ordered to change schools

It’s easy to understand why 11-year-old Colman Chadam is upset he was ordered to transfer schools because he carries the gene for cystic fibrosis. But the school district ordering the move isn’t acting with malice. Chadam — who doesn’t have the disease — was told he had to leave Jordan Middle School in Palo Alto, Calif., because he poses a risk to another student who does have the disease. Cystic fibrosis isn’t contagious, but there is a risk of bacterial cross-contamination between carriers. The school district made the request after consulting with medical officials, who said “a literal physical distance must be maintained,” and asking Chadam to transfer was the “zero risk option.” [Source]

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