During the first week of college, you meet your roommate, eat in the dining hall for the first time, make your first friend and attend the obligatory session on sex education. However, after only spending a few hours in a basement classroom learning about sexually transmitted infections and protection methods, one often has to actively seek out knowledge concerning safe sex throughout the remainder of their college careers. With that being said, the Editorial Board of The Old Gold & Black commends Student Government for organizing multiple efforts to increase sex health awareness on campus (more information on page 5).
One of the initiatives organized by Student Government includes condom dispensing machines being installed in every residence hall. Currently, free condoms are only available in Student Health and the Intercultural Center. Widening access to this form of protection will provide students with a necessary convenience that is part of a sexually healthy student body. Further, however, the Editorial Board of The Old Gold & Black hopes that discussions surrounding safe sex methods will become destigmatized as access to condoms and other methods of birth control increase on campus. Student Government has also announced a similar program, titled the Safer Sex Express, which will deliver condoms and other products directly to students’ personal mailboxes on campus.
The Editorial Board … commends Student Government for organizing multiple efforts to increase sex health awareness …”
These two programs coincide with the upcoming Sex Week, which will start on March 30. Promoting both safe sex and a positive culture surrounding sex on campus, one of the events listed is “Tiegasm” — a session where students can tie-dye shirts and learn more about the different types of orgasms. The Editorial Board of The Old Gold & Black supports these efforts to erase taboos and promote healthy practices for those who choose to be sexually active on campus.
Having a constructive conversation about sex on campus is not only beneficial in terms of gaining knowledge about safe sex practices. Ideally, destigmatizing a prevalent activity on campus should lead to more positive changes concerning the campus culture surrounding STIs, sexual orientation and even sexual assault. Given that sexual interactions are a large part of college culture and are frankly inevitable, it is advantageous for both the university and students that Student Government is working to provide the necessary information and resources to the campus community. As our peers pioneer these efforts, more and more students will be equipped with the tools to make safe, smart choices.
