‘A school that has been accused of discriminating against a child for having genetic markers related to cystic fibrosis may foreshadow more frequent cases of alleged genetic bias in the future, as new tests can reveal yet unknown diseases in one’s DNA.

In September 2012, upon registering for middle school in Palo Alto, California, the parents of Colman Chadam disclosed medical records for their son. Due to a congenital heart condition at the time of his birth, additional tests were conducted, resulting in the discovery that Colman carried genetic markers associated with cystic fibrosis, a disease that leads to lung infections, among other issues. Word of Colman’s condition got to teachers at the school, who in turn told the parents of two siblings with cystic fibrosis who already attended the school.’

Read more: ‘Genetic discrimination’: School ousted child based on DNA, lawsuit states