Ryan White:
Fighting the Stigma of AIDS and HIV
Ananya Kumar and Annika Lilja, Junior Division
In 1985, Ryan White was barred from his school in Kokomo, Indiana, after being diagnosed with AIDS on December 17, 1984. He and his mother filed a lawsuit in order for him to be allowed back into school. Not only did he fight for his right to attend school, he shattered the stigma that all people with AIDS were gay or intravenous drug users.
“Well I thought they were scared, first and foremost. And it just lead to where, y'know, their fear just took control of them and they just believe what they want to believe."
- Ryan White, explaining why he thought people made accusations toward him, 1988