The National School Boards Association recently released a new book, Living with HIV/AIDS: Students Tell Their Stories of Stigma, Courage, and Resilience. The book focuses on the challenges facing students affected by the diseases. It also delves into problems students encounter in school and how school officials have contributed to their well-being, as well as HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

This book is a timely reminder that, 25 years after the first reports of AIDS in the U.S., schools still have a significant role to play. 

Time to Assess “It is time to explore how well children affected by HIV and AIDS are doing in schools and how well schools are doing in fulfilling their responsibility to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn,” Anne Bryant, executive director of NSBA, stated in the preface of the book.

The book contains firsthand accounts of children, including stories from a 15 year-old New Jersey boy living with HIV/AIDS. It also includes recommendations on school district policies and procedures.