Milford Schools Acted in 'Good Faith' Regarding Potential Ebola Concerns, School Officials Say

Milford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elizabeth Feser denies in brief statement Wednesday afternoon that the school system mishandled a student quarantine matter. She said the school system addressed Ebola concerns involving a third-grade student in “good faith,” and in the “best interest of all of our students and staff.”

A parent filed a lawsuit against the school system and the city of Milford alleging they are preventing their daughter from returning to school after the family returned from a trip to Nigeria earlier this month. The story has gone viral. The father claims there are no Ebola concerns in Nigeria.

Here is Dr. Feser’s full statement:

“On October 28, 2014, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut against the Milford Public Schools and City of Milford, claiming that the manner in which we responded to concerns about the return of a student who traveled to West Africa was improper. We deny this allegation. In addressing this situation, at all times, my staff and I proceeded in good faith to respond to this public health issue. We acted in the best interest of all of our students and staff.

Because this matter is the subject of pending litigation, there will be no further public comment,” the statement reads.

Here is the original story involving the parent’s claims against the school system.

Stephen Opayemi says his daughter, Ikeoluwa, a Meadowside Elementary School third grader, just wants to return to school, but unfounded Ebola concerns on the part of city and school officials is keeping her at home, according to numerous media reports.

Opayemi and his daughter travelled to Nigeria from Milford earlier this month and upon returning they were told by city health and school officials that she could not go back to school immediately.

Ikeoluwa was informed she would have to stay out of school for 21 days or until November 3, which is the incubation period for Ebola, theHartford Courant reports.

But making matters confusing is that the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention removed any notices regarding Ebola for travel to Nigeria, the Courant reports.

Opayemi says he feels his daughter is being discriminated against and he is suing to have her return to school immediately, the paper reports.

A doctor gave Ikeoluwa a clean bill of health and she has not exhibited any symptoms, the suit claims.

Opayemi claims health officials said they are keeping his daughter out of school due to fears over Ebola and not for any legitimate medical reason, the Courant reports.

Opayemi also doubts the seriousness of Milford officials health concerns because they are providing a tutor for his daughter, the Courant reports.

Read the full Hartford Courant sfory here.