DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WORLD AIDS DAY CEREMONY
Remarks
Minnijean Brown-Trickey
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Workplace Diversity
Minnijean Brown-Trickey, said, "As a new member of the Department of the Interior and the Federal workforce, I am honored to make my first public appearance at such an important event. The devastation of AIDS and HIV among young people strikes at the very heart of our families, our communities, our nation. We are all responsible for the reeducation of our children and young people and we need to take it seriously." The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has consistently found that young people account for an increasing number of new HIV infections - despite a decline in sexual risk behaviors. "The lower end of incidence is 14 years old. These are children," said Ms. Brown-Trickey. "We need to Listen to the people who are stricken with this devastating illness, Learn what we can do to help, and Live our convictions - be responsible, take it seriously." She also stated that she recently read that among Blacks and Hispanics, AIDS is the second leading cause of death - second to murder. "To me, this means we are a nation in crisis," said Ms. Brown-Trickey.
People with HIV/AIDS are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Whether they have outwardly manifested symptoms or not, they are considered to have physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. The ADA gives Federal Civil Rights protection to individuals with disabilities. It also guarantees equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services and telecommunications.