Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
and the resultant Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have
had a profound effect upon our entire society. In response to
the epidemic of HIV infection, West Chester University
establishes this policy to outline the method by which the
University addresses students and employees who are
exposed to the HIV, and to provide a safe working and living
environment for all members of the University community.
West Chester University is committed to
providing educational awareness about HIV infection and AIDS for
the campus community and promoting appropriate prevention
and control programs. Such programs shall be consistent with
applicable laws, including the Americans with
Disabilities, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and
Pennsylvania Act 148 of 1990(Confidentiality of HIV-Related
Information Act), and shall be guided by the recommendations of
the U.S. Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, and the American College Health Association.
Current medical evidence indicates that
students or employees with AIDS or HIV infection do not
pose a health risk to other students or employees in an academic
setting. There has been no confirmed case of HIV transmission as
a result of casual contact. There is no reason to routinely
exclude or limit participation of students or
employees because they have asymptomatic or symptomatic HIV
infection.
West Chester University has adopted the
following procedures with respect to HIV infection:
1. The University will take the necessary
steps to safeguard the personal rights of persons infected
with HIV. Discrimination on the basis of HIV infection,
including emotional, verbal, or physical harassment, is
expressly prohibited. Individuals who believe themselves to be
the victims of discrimination on the basis of HIV infection
should contact the Director of Social Equity, 13/15 University
Avenue, Ext. 2433.
2. Knowledge of an individual’s HIV status
shall not be a part of the employment requirement at the
University or a condition for admission to University
programs. No employee, student or applicant will be required
to undergo HIV testing as a requirement for employment or
admission to West Chester University.
3. No otherwise qualified individual shall
be prohibited from being employed, promoted or participating
in any University program or activity, with or without
appropriate accommodation, as a result of HIV/AIDS status
unless there is a known risk posed to the health or safety of
others.
4. HIV status shall not be cause for
a restriction to access of any University facility. There is
no justification, medical or otherwise, for restricting the
access of students or employees with HIV infection to the
student union, theater, cafeteria, snack bars, gymnasiums,
swimming pools, saunas, recreational facilities, or other
public areas.
5. An employee who has a concern that he or
she is at risk because of exposure to someone with HIV
infection is encouraged to discuss the matter with his or her
supervisor or with the Human Resource Services Department. A
student who has a concern that he or she is at risk because of
exposure to someone with HIV infection is encouraged to
discuss the matter with the Director of the Student Health
Services Center.
6. The best currently available medical
information does not indicate any risk to those sharing a
residence with infected individuals. However, decisions about
housing for students infected with HIV will be made on a
case-by-case basis. Because of immune deficiencies caused by
HIV infection, accommodations will be made for HIV infected
students.
7. All University records which refer to
HIV infection or AIDS in a student or employee shall remain
strictly confidential in accordance with University and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania policies. Unless otherwise
required by law, no information will be shared with faculty,
administration, student, family members, or outside insurance
carriers without the written consent of the student or
employee for each instance of disclosure.
8. The primary responsibility of the
University with regards to HIV/AIDS is to promote a safe
environment which can best be accomplished through
education. Effective educational programs about AIDS and HIV
are an activity of the highest priority for all areas of the
University community. These shall include the development and
dissemination of accurate, up-to-date information on the
transmission, prevention and control of HIV to all employees
and students. Specialized training shall be provided for
employees with occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
9. Individuals who are infected with HIV or
who have a reasonable basis for believing they are infected
with HIV are encouraged to seek medical advice and are
expected to conduct themselves responsibly for the protection
of other members of the University community. The Student
Health Center is equipped to provide HIV testing and
information about HIV infection and AIDS to students. The
Counseling and Psychological Services Department is able to
provide personal counseling for students. The Wellness Center
has information about HIV and AIDS, including books, articles,
pamphlets, videos, and lists of internet sites, testing
facilities, and counseling referrals available for the entire
campus community.
