A discrimination lawsuit filed against the Milton Hershey school for not permitting a 14-year-old boy living with HIV to attend, has been settled.
The school has agreed to pay $700,000 to the student.
The lawsuit was based on the fact that the Milton Hershey school woundn't enroll the boy because he was HIV positive.
But now with the settlement, not only is the boy going to get $700,000, those who work closely with the HIV community say the bigger picture is discrimation was acknowledged.
Philip K. Goropoulos:
"It's a confirmation of what we know to be true. A smart move on Milton Hershey school to finally recognize they made a mistake and rectify the situation."
Philip K. Goropoulos is the President of Alder Health Services Aids Community Alliance.
He says while this is just an individual case, the ripple effect could mean more than just a win for the boy.
Goropoulos:
"Not only does this young boy's case open the door for him to get an education, it opens the door for others who have been exposed to this as well and haven't had the courage, the strength or the resources to defend what they are feeling."
While some people may not agree with the boy's decision not to attend Milton Hershey, after fighting for the right to attend, Goropoulos says the boy shouldn't be judged because of his choice.
Goropoulos:
"The situation should he go or not, the whole thing came from a blanket act of discrimination of HIV status. And you already know you aren't welcome."
A spokesperson for Milton Hershey told CBS 21 they have changed their policy.
Anyone with HIV is welcome and given all the resources anyother student is given.
And they have a plan in place to accomidate any needs a student living with HIV may have.
The school has agreed to pay $700,000 to the student.
The lawsuit was based on the fact that the Milton Hershey school woundn't enroll the boy because he was HIV positive.
But now with the settlement, not only is the boy going to get $700,000, those who work closely with the HIV community say the bigger picture is discrimation was acknowledged.
Philip K. Goropoulos:
"It's a confirmation of what we know to be true. A smart move on Milton Hershey school to finally recognize they made a mistake and rectify the situation."
Philip K. Goropoulos is the President of Alder Health Services Aids Community Alliance.
He says while this is just an individual case, the ripple effect could mean more than just a win for the boy.
Goropoulos:
"Not only does this young boy's case open the door for him to get an education, it opens the door for others who have been exposed to this as well and haven't had the courage, the strength or the resources to defend what they are feeling."
While some people may not agree with the boy's decision not to attend Milton Hershey, after fighting for the right to attend, Goropoulos says the boy shouldn't be judged because of his choice.
Goropoulos:
"The situation should he go or not, the whole thing came from a blanket act of discrimination of HIV status. And you already know you aren't welcome."
A spokesperson for Milton Hershey told CBS 21 they have changed their policy.
Anyone with HIV is welcome and given all the resources anyother student is given.
And they have a plan in place to accomidate any needs a student living with HIV may have.