The University of St Thomas’ recent decision — after a series of protests and debates — to include condoms in their Frosh Week packages will finally put an end to the institution’s repressive policy.
However, the important matter persists: why, in 2010, is the issue of safe sex in a university setting still controversial?
The university held a review panel to decide whether including condoms in frosh kits was in line with their moral values, as it is a Catholic university.
To deny these students access to contraceptives is an attempt to turn a blind eye to the reality of the situation.
Post-secondary institutions stress that once inside their walls students are responsible for themselves financially, socially and academically. They must also be responsible for their sexual activities.
Let’s be realistic. Sex happens at university, and Frosh Week is not an exception. Take several hundred teenagers, add in a little post-secondary freedom, toss in a pinch of drugs and alcohol and you’ve got a recipe for sex greater than “I’m shipping off to ‘Nam tomorrow.”
The administration should never claim to know what is best for students above their elected representatives, especially with regards to sexuality.
This lack of empathy towards student issues shows the administration has their own public relations agenda ahead of the safety and education of their students.
Ultimately, if you don’t like condoms, don’t use them. But don’t ever hinder student access to safe sex and claim to have a moral high ground.