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"We determined we could not put our children at risk."
-The Milton Hershey School, on their decision to
deny admission to a 13-year-old HIV-positive student
My colleague Sarah just sent the following alert to our Youth Activist Network. Will you take a minute to speak out against fear and stigma? Help us tell this Pennsylvania school to stop discriminating against a 13-year-old HIV-positive student.
Dear Advocate-
The Milton Hershey School promises to "nurture and educate children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives" — unless you happen to be living with HIV.
The school recently rejected the application of a 13-year-old young man — publicly citing his HIV-positive status as the reason for his rejection. In a written statement, the school attempted to justify their illegal action, saying "In order to protect our children in this unique environment, we cannot accommodate the needs of students with chronic communicable diseases that pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others."
TAKE ACTION: The Milton Hershey School must stop discriminating against HIV-positive students. Tell them to reverse their decision and admit this student NOW!
People living with HIV do not pose any kind of health threat to those around them. Educators, in particular, should know better — this is 2011, not 1985! I don't know what kind of sex education they teach at the Milton Hershey School, but it might be time for the administrators and admissions staff to retake the class.
Thankfully, the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania has joined this young man and his family as they fight for his right to education unhindered by ignorance and fear. It is particularly disappointing to see such small-minded bigotry promoted by an educational institution.
TAKE ACTION: Take a stand against discrimination, stigma and fear. Demand that the Milton Hershey School publicly apologize for discriminating against a 13-year-old HIV-positive student.
We were outraged to hear about this young man's situation, but — as we observe World AIDS Day this week — this story of blatant discrimination serves as a shocking reminder that people living with HIV and AIDS still face stigma each and every day across the U.S. and around the world.
Together, we can make a difference — for this young man and so many others. Let's get to work.
Sincerely,
Sarah Audelo
Senior Manager of Domestic Policy
Advocates for Youth
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