Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Statement

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Teens and young adults continue to be at risk of acquiring HIV, with those under 35 accounting for 57% of new HIV diagnoses in 2019 (those ages 13-24 accounted for 21% and those ages 25-34 accounted for 36%.) Though the majority of young people are infected sexually, HIV is also transmitted by injection drug use and perinatally. Even in the absence of symptoms, an HIV-infected person can infect others. Infection with HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that it has difficulty fighting off opportunistic life-threatening infections. HIV is now considered to be a chronic manageable disease due to effective treatments. If an HIV/AIDS case is reported at Marquette, our response will be based on compassion and concern for the welfare of the infected individual and on protecting the health of the Marquette community.

Specifically:

  • The university will proceed on a case-by-case basis with the advice of health professionals. Diagnosis and other medical information are confidential;
  • Comprehensive, up-to-date HIV prevention education will be provided to students and staff as part of the intellectual, moral and service mission of the university;
  • Emotional and/or physical harassment of HIV-positive individuals is not acceptable behavior at Marquette and will be dealt with accordingly. A grievance related to discrimination based on medical status can be submitted by a student or visitor to the Office of Disability Services. Employees are encouraged to contact the Human Resources.
  • Any need for accommodations should be communicated to the Office of Disability Services.

Those with questions about HIV/AIDS should consult their primary care physician, Marquette University Medical Clinic staff, and/or the Office of Disability Services.

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