Hershey, Pa. reverses course on HIV-positive student

HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) — The Milton Hershey School says it’s changed its policy to now treat HIV-positive applicants the same as all others, and it’s offering admission to a Philadelphia-area teen who was previously rejected.

School president Anthony Colistra issued a statement today that defended its previous decisions regarding the teenager, but said it adopted the new policy based on recent “guidance” from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The school also is development training for its employees and students on HIV-related issues.

Colistra says he wrote the teenager last month to apologize and offer him enrollment this fall. A message seeking comment from the young man’s lawyer wasn’t immediately returned.

The school educates low-income and socially disadvantaged students, and is financed by a trust that holds the controlling interest in The Hershey Co.