I. University-wide Regulations (cont.)

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 46 for a more detailed description of the alcohol policy.)

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited by law and by University policy in all academic and administrative buildings, in University-owned vehicles, and in spectator areas during outdoor athletic contests. In addition, smoking is prohibited in all dormitories/annexes, including private student rooms and common areas and all common areas in University apartment buildings.

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

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 Environmental 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 for Institutional Equity & Diversity 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 Environmental 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 University Health Services 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 determinations regarding working and living arrangements, admission, 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).