Jazz Week 6 Lymphatic And Immune

Hernani Fermin, a 35-year-old married father, was diagnosed HIV positive two years ago.  He is a sales representative for a nationally recognized pharmaceutical company, and his hectic travel schedule is beginning to take a toll on his health.  A few weeks ago, his doctor suggested he rethink his career goals.  “You know, stress and this disease don’t mix,” Dr. Wettstein reminded him.  “Why don’t you look for something closer to home?”

That evening over dinner his wife Emily suggested teaching.  Hernani had enjoyed sharing the challenging concepts of math and science with seventh graders during the 6 years he had taught in a rural school upstate.  It was only the financial demands of Kim and Kilie’s birth 7 years ago that had tempted him into the better-paying field of pharmaceuticals.

Hernani sent out resumes for the next 5 weeks.  Finally, one was well received by South Hills Middle School.  They had an opening in their math department, plus a need for someone to coach after-school athletics, and they wanted to meet with him.  He hadn’t interviewed since the twins were born.  He thought about the questions normally asked-would there be some questions about his health?  Being HIV positive shouldn’t have any bearing on his ability to teach, but parents might be concerned about having him coach.  And it might disqualify him for the school’s health insurance policy.  Hernani believed in honesty, but what would happen if he revealed his HIV status?

Do you think Hernani should reveal his HIV status to South Hills Middle School?  If so, why?  If not, why not?  What laws protect Hernani or the students?

Incorporate terminology from the course content and cite outside references to support your viewpoints