Administrative Guidelines on HIV Disease

• The primary response of the University of San Francisco to the HIV epidemic is education. The University is committed to educating all members of its community - students, staff, and faculty - about HIV disease and its prevention. Because of the Catholic character of the University, HIV educational activities should be situated within a broader context of the scientific and medical nature of the disease, to address such issues as (a) the dignity and destiny of the human person, (b) the morality of human actions, (c) the consequences of individual choices, and (d) an understanding of human intimacy and sexuality.
• Information on transmission indicates that students and employees with HIV infection do not pose a health risk to others in the academic and workplace setting. The University believes in maintaining an environment for both working and learning that is free from discrimination against people with HIV disease. The rights and concerns of those who are HIV infected are to be respected at every level of the University. The Church reminds us that discrimination or violence directed against persons with HIV infection is unjust and immoral.
• Harassing members of the USF community because of their HIV status (perceived or real) is not acceptable behavior at the University and will be dealt with according to the procedures set forth in USF’s Sexual and Other Unlawful Harassment Policy.
• Students will not be denied access to attend classes because of their HIV status. Members of the University community infected with HIV shall not be restricted from access to campus housing, classrooms, dining facilities, recreational facilities, or other common areas. Persons with HIV disease will not be denied an opportunity to live on campus.
• The University recognizes the importance of protecting to the greatest extent possible and within the bounds provided by law the confidentiality and privacy of any employee or student known to be infected with HIV. Accordingly, such information should be handled by University personnel with the same degree of care and sensitivity accorded to other types of highly confidential medical information.
• Accommodation requests from students and employees with HIV will be handled on a case-by-case basis by the relevant University office. When requesting an accommodation arrangement, a student or employee may be asked by the appropriate University office for verification of his or her medical condition. Employees infected with HIV may continue working, and students infected with HIV may continue attending classes, as long as they are physically and mentally able.