Health and Safety Policies
Illegal Drugs
State Laws
New Jersey state law classifies heroin, cocaine,
amphetamines, LSD, marijuana, and hashish, among other
substances, as "controlled dangerous substances." The
possession, use, sale, or manufacture of such substances may
be subject to mandatory penalties. References to current
laws may be consulted at the Office of Public Safety.
University Policy Concerning Use of Illegal Drugs
The University prohibits the unlawful manufacture,
dispensation, possession, use, or distribution of a
controlled substance of any kind in any amount on University
property, or while in the conduct of University business
away from the campus. Penalties for these acts will be
administered by the appropriate officer, and in accordance
with rules and procedures administered by them (for the
faculty and other academic staffs, the Dean of the Faculty;
for graduate students, the Dean of the Graduate School; for
undergraduates, the Dean of Undergraduate Students; and for
administrators and staff, the Vice President for Human
Resources). Penalties range from warning to permanent
separation from the University depending on the seriousness
of the infraction and the degree to which violation of the
policy adversely affects the well-being of the community or
the fulfillment of the University's educational mission.
Violations of local ordinances or of state or federal
laws regarding controlled dangerous substances by members of
the University community may entail University disciplinary
actions regardless of where such violations occur, if they
are of a serious nature. The manufacture, sale or
distribution of illegal drugs, any involvement in illegal
drug use or traffic with minors and possession or use of the
more dangerous or highly addictive drugs are all considered
serious offenses and will be handled accordingly. Depending
on the particular circumstances, continued association with
the University by violators of this policy may be made
contingent upon satisfactory participation in a drug abuse
assistance or rehabilitation program.
It is also University policy, in accordance with the
Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, that all employees, as a
condition of employment on projects supported out of federal
funds, abide by this University policy regarding controlled
dangerous substances and notify the University within five
(5) days of any criminal drug statute conviction for a
violation occurring at the workplace.
All members of the University community should be aware
that New Jersey State law prohibits the illegal possession,
use, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances and drug
paraphernalia and that violators may be subject to mandatory
penalties in addition to University disciplinary action.
Federal law also provides for loss of certain federal
benefits (including student loans and research grants) for
conviction under any criminal drug statute. More information
about New Jersey and federal drug laws may be obtained at
the Office of Public Safety, or the Office of the General
Counsel.
Alcoholic Beverages
Members of the Princeton University community are
expected to be acquainted with and to abide by both state
and University regulations regarding the consumption of
alcohol. They are also expected to be aware of the social,
physiological, and psychological consequences of excessive
drinking in order to make responsible and informed decisions
about the serving and consumption of alcohol. The University
provides regular educational programs on alcohol and drug
abuse as well as counseling services.
The University alcoholic beverage policy is designed to
be consistent with the laws of the State of New Jersey,
which, in general, prohibit the consumption and serving of
alcoholic beverages by and to persons under 21 years of age.
The policy also reflects the need for mutual respect and
personal responsibility within a diverse community. Under no
circumstances will the consumption of alcohol constitute a
mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation
of University regulations. Alcoholic beverages will not
normally be provided at University events where persons
under the legal drinking age for consumption of alcoholic
beverages are present, including those sponsored by the
University, the residential colleges, the University
centers, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the
classes. (See the Orange Page 48 for a more detailed
description of the alcohol policy.)
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all academic and administrative
buildings (including athletics department facilities), in
University-owned vehicles and in spectator areas during
outdoor athletic contests. In addition, smoking is
prohibited in all common areas of the undergraduate
dormitories and residential colleges. Smoking is also
prohibited in all common areas of the Graduate College and
the Annexes, except the Debasement Bar. Although smoking is
permitted in private residential rooms, in the event of a
complaint, the University reserves the right to take
appropriate action, including prohibiting smoking in a
specific residential room or requiring the smoker to
move.
Policy on HIV Infection
Introduction
Princeton University regards human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) infection as an important public health issue for the
University community.1 It does not discriminate
on the basis of HIV infection. The University recognizes the
responsibility of every individual to prevent transmission
of the infection.
Fundamental to the University's response to HIV infection
and other chronic illnesses is the commitment to respect the
rights and reasonable concerns of everyone, including those
individuals living with this condition. Princeton University
expects people who are aware that they have HIV infection to
take precautions against knowingly infecting others.
Education, understanding, compassion, and confidentiality
are crucial in dealing effectively and responsibly with the
profound issues surrounding this public health problem.
Access
In compliance with Sections 503 and 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination,
people living with HIV infection are accorded rights of
access to every aspect of Princeton University life,
including regular academic, employment, social, cultural,
spiritual, and athletic activities, and student support and
human resources services. Princeton University makes
reasonable accommodations for people living with HIV
infection.
HIV Prevention
Prevention Education and the University
Community. Princeton University makes available
timely, current, and scientifically sound HIV Prevention
education to every member of the community. Princeton
University Health Services (PUHS) is assigned the
responsibility of coordinating the University's HIV
prevention education, with secondary support from the Office
of Human Resources and the Office of the Dean of the
Faculty. The University encourages each member of the
community to take advantage of all HIV prevention
programs.
Occupational Health and Safety Practices and
Training. Princeton University adheres to
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
standards to decrease and prevent transmission of infectious
diseases, including HIV infection and hepatitis B virus,
through occupational exposure. Employees whose occupations
place them at risk of exposure to contaminated blood and
other body fluids must practice universal precautions at the
worksite. In accordance with OSHA regulations, the
University's Office of Occupational Health and Safety is
responsible for coordinating OSHA mandated training.
Screening for HIV Infection
As an institution, Princeton University does not mandate
testing for any individual or group. However, the University
encourages voluntary testing, which may be obtained through
confidential or anonymous testing facilities, because early
identification of the infection can minimize its
transmission and allow early treatment which may prolong
life expectancy and enhance quality of life.
Health Maintenance and Services for People Living
with HIV Infection
Health Maintenance. Individuals with HIV
infection who choose or find it necessary to reveal their
status can discuss, with the appropriate PUHS clinician
and/or University staff member, any risks of participating
in the University community. As with any other disability,
as outlined in the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, a decision to remain an active
member of the community is determined on a case-by-case
basis, in consultation with the individual and appropriate
offices. Individuals known to be immunologically compromised
may be excused from institutional requirements for certain
vaccinations that may lead to serious medical
consequences.
Insurance. Members of the University
community may be covered under a variety of health care
plans that can be used to cover the cost of medical
management of HIV infection. Individual policies cover
illnesses at different levels and should be consulted as
needed.
Legal Issues
Compliance. The Vice Provost and Special
Assistant to the President oversees the University's
compliance with federal, state, and local laws which protect
people with disabilities, including HIV infection, from
discrimination. The University's Office of Occupational
Health and Safety oversees the University's compliance with
OSHA standards.
Confidentiality. All members of the
University community are expected to respect others' rights
to confidentiality. Non-consensual disclosure of another
person's HIV status is strongly discouraged. In addition,
those who are responsible for supervising others, such as
managers and administrators, may only reveal information
about the disabilities of their faculty, staff or students,
including their HIV status, on a need to know basis such as
to fulfill a request for a reasonable accommodation or
provide information to a health care professional providing
emergency medical treatment. PUHS clinicians conducting
confidential HIV testing at the McCosh Health Center are
obligated to report positive HIV test results to the New
Jersey Department of Health.
Discrimination. HIV infection status is
treated like any other disability when considering an
individual's ability to participate in the community or to
fulfill academic or job responsibilities. HIV status does
not affect determination regarding working and living
arrangements, making admissions, hiring, advancement,
promotion, or termination of students, faculty, or
staff.
In addition, acts of discrimination against any member of
the community living with HIV infection, perceived to be HIV
positive or serving as a care-taker for someone who is HIV
positive may violate federal and state statutes, and
recourse may be available under these statutes. Acts of
discrimination also violate University regulation and are
not tolerated.
Conclusion
Princeton University encourages its community to work
together to prevent transmission of HIV and to become
actively involved in supporting and caring for members of
our community who are living with HIV infection.
1. HIV infection is a chronic, progressive, immune
deficiency disease. The most severe phase is AIDS, (Richard
Keeling, "HIV Disease : Current Concepts," Journal of
Counseling and Development, January/February, 1993, p.
261).
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