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Milford School Leader Defends Decision to Bar Student Amid Fear of Ebola

Milford Public Schools

A Connecticut school superintendent is defending her decision to bar a third-grader from returning to school after visiting West Africa amid fears the young girl may have been exposed to the Ebola virus.

In a statement,  Milford School Superintendent Elizabeth Feser said that the actions were a good-faith response to a public health issue and in the best interest of all students.

This follows a federal lawsuit filed by the father of Ikeoluwa Opayemi, who said barring his daughter from school violates the Americans with Disabilities Act because it discriminates against his daughter for a "perceived impairment."

The family’s attorney, Gary Phelan, told WTNH that the lawsuit "sends a message that municipalities can’t do this sort of thing to people.”

According to the lawsuit, the family visited Nigeria from October 2 to 13. After the girl returned, she was told to stay away from Meadowside Elementary School for 21 days because of Ebola concerns. 

The family did not travel to Guinea, Sierra Leone, or Liberia, the three nations most affected by the current Ebola outbreak. Nigeria has been declared free of Ebola virus transmission by the World Health Organization. The student has not had any symptoms associated with Ebola.

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages. The student is expected to return to school next week.

This report includes information from The Associated Press.

Diane Orson is a special correspondent with Connecticut Public. She is a longtime reporter and contributor to National Public Radio. Her stories have been heard on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition and Here And Now. Diane spent seven years as CT Public Radio's local host for Morning Edition.

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