Zhu Liya was a perfect candidate for the Communist Party.
She was a good student and had a strong, upstanding character. She would have been an ideal member.
That is, until they found out she had AIDS.
When a medical examination at her school revealed the news in April 2004, Zhu was dropped as a candidate and forced to leave college.
The motives smack of cruel indifference: What is the use now? She is going to die anyway.
The news is already unspeakably awful. In her last moments on earth, Zhu must experience a terrifying debilitating illness. She must suffer with the knowledge that she will die young.
And now, Zhu must learn that society condemns her for it. She will no longer be treated as an equal. She cannot afford to be an educated, patriotic citizen. She will not be allowed to enjoy what little time she has left.
If the Party wants to uphold ideals of equality, it must enforce it.
The illness will kill Zhu, it shouldn't destroy her life.