The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued letters to the attorneys general of all 50 states and U.S. territories asking them to review their jurisdictions’ admission and licensing criteria for trade schools and agencies to identify any criteria that exclude individuals with HIV/AIDS, according to a DOJ statement. The letters were mailed because the DOJ learned that trade schools for barbering, cosmetology, massage therapy and home health care work, as well as licensing agencies, may be denying people living with HIV admission to schools or licenses because of their status. However, because HIV can’t be transmitted through circumstances required in these jobs, their status is irrelevant and discrimination is illegal.

To read the DOJ statement, click here.