AIDS Victim Starts 8th Grade After Opponents Drop Battle

Smiling and carrying his books in a school gym bag, AIDS victim Ryan White entered the eighth grade Monday, after parents who opposed his return dropped their battle.

It was the first time in two years that the 14-year-old was allowed to start school with his classmates.

“It’s OK,” Ryan said, bounding off the school bus at Western High School in nearby Russiaville, when asked how he felt to be back at school.

Others Apprehensive

But some other students expressed apprehension about attending school with him, even though scientists say that AIDS cannot be spread by casual contact.

“We’ve fought it and fought it, and it’s over now,” said senior Sabrina Johnson. “As long as he keeps his distance . . . he’s OK.”

A year ago, school officials banned Ryan from attending school and he was forced to monitor classes from home by telephone. A restraining order obtained by parents of other students was thrown out April 10, and he returned to classes until the end of the term.

Will Seek Legislation

The parents have since dropped their legal battle, saying that their expenses had grown too high. But they said they will work for legislation to ban AIDS victims from schools when the Legislature convenes next year.

The Howard County health officer, Dr. Alan Adler, cleared Ryan for school last Thursday.

Ryan contracted acquired immune deficiency syndrome in December, 1984, while being treated for hemophilia. Officials barred the boy from the classroom last year because they feared he might somehow be able to spread AIDS, for which there is no known cure.