AIDS Policy

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a public health problem that is spreading rapidly throughout the world. Because AIDS is a contagious, often fatal disease, it is appropriate to formulate AIDS guidelines for the entire Mount Holyoke College community. These guidelines are based upon recommendations of the American College Health Association, the Centers for Disease Control, the United States Public Health Service, and the American Council on Education.

These guidelines are consistent with existing Mount Holyoke College policies that prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The guidelines are intended to promote the safety and well-being of infected individuals as well as the entire College community, to steer programs about AIDS on campus, and to be used to direct College decision making, where appropriate. Mount Holyoke College complies with applicable state and federal law prohibiting discrimination.
Guidelines
These guidelines apply to the entire Mount Holyoke College community, including faculty, staff, and students.

1. Mount Holyoke College is committed to adhering to the standards established by the federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Under this act, applicants for admission or employment will not be subject to handicap discrimination. Mount Holyoke recognizes AIDS as a handicapping condition.
   
   
2. So long as an individual is capable, with reasonable accommodation, of performing her or his job duties or responsibilities as a student, an HIVpositive individual will not be precluded from advancement or promotion.
   
   
3. Mount Holyoke College will not require random, mandatory AIDS screening or testing. Applicants for employment will not be subjected to screening tests.
   
   
4. Individuals who make it known that they are infected with the AIDS virus will not be prevented from attending classes, working, using any campus facilities, or participating in any aspect of College life as long as doing so will not pose a health risk to themselves or to others.
   
   
5. Confidentiality regarding AIDS, as well as all other health concerns, is protected by state and federal law. Information in an individual's health center medical records will not be shared without that individual's written consent.
   
   
6. Mount Holyoke College will observe state and federal public health requirements for reporting newly diagnosed cases of AIDS.
   
   
7. The health center assists with AIDS education and provides anonymous counseling and testing on site. Staff will also provide information on available AIDS-related services, including other counseling and testing sites.