By Michael Travis
News Editor
Pepperdine and condoms don’t mix.
At least, that is what administrators believe. Last year’s debate about whether the Student Health Center should make contraceptives available for students, published in the Graphic, has led to a decision to ban the sale of condoms on campus.
“In the past, condoms were available at the Student Health Center,” said Shanna Dusablon, wellness program assistant. “We listen to the students’ wishes and desires and we are dedicated to providing services that are truly relevant for our community.”
Apparently, condoms are no longer deemed relevant.
After it was widely learned that condoms were available on campus, students and faculty expressed concern about the ethical dimensions of the policy at a Christian university. Various other issues were raised. Reaction was widespread.
“It (providing condoms) did insult some people to think that we were promoting promiscuity on campus,” Seaver Dean of Students David Baird said. “If you are going to be (sexually) active, you can buy condoms at the drugstore.”
rms of contraceptives, such as birth control are usually available from a doctor by perscription, and are also now unavailable at the center.
“I believe that if students would like to see a change in policy, they need to be proactive in their desired cause,” Dusablon said. “One option is to join the Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) to advocate for a policy change. Students also have the ear of the administration and could write to their dean of students and to President Andrew Benton with their opinion, concerns, and recommendations.”
“I don’t think they made a smart decision for safety reasons,” sophomore Kirstin Jensen said. “Concerns about student health and safety should come before what message the university is sending.”
However, there are some that agree with the decision of the administration.
“Pepperdine is a Christian university and should hold itself to certain standards of that religion,” junior Breton Phillips said. “Particularly the belief that premarital sex is wrong. After people get married, though, they should be able to get boxes of condoms.”
March 14, 2002