AIDS Policy
The University of Maine is a unique educational community where a large number of students and employees interact in a relatively small shared environment. The work and mission of this community centers around its role as an educational institution where all individuals will be treated equally and where discrimination will not be tolerated. In addition, the University advocates individual dignity and freedom of choice, and believes that all individual rights must be protected. Consequently, community members who have acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV infection) will not be discriminated against in any way, and their personal right of privacy will be respected.
Students and employees with AIDS or evidence of HIV infection shall be afforded the same unrestricted classroom attendance, working conditions, use of University facilities and participation in University activities as any other member of our community. This open policy is in accordance with current scientific information and knowledge which indicates that individuals with AIDS pose no risk to other individuals in the normal academic setting.
Furthermore, the University believes that the most viable and appropriate method of preventing the spread of AIDS is through a comprehensive and ongoing process of education designed to increase community awareness of high risk situations where the transmission of the AIDS virus is possible.
For information on general principles and general guidelines on the University AIDS Policy or for confidential assistance, contact the University of Maine Employee Assistance Program at 581-4014, or Rehabilitation Manager at 581-2368.