RHA and Deaton discuss condoms

By Roseann Moring

Published Dec. 8, 2006

Although the future is still uncertain for a plan to put free condoms in residence halls, university officials and residence hall staff members discussed the details of a possible university-wide condom program at a forum Thursday night.

The Residence Hall Association sponsored the forum, and Residential Life Director Frankie Minor led the discussion. Chancellor Brady Deaton was also in attendance.

In early October, Deaton halted a plan by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity to provide free condoms and sexual health information in residence halls because of a lack of information.

The program was originally planned as a pilot program, Minor said. After a year, the program's organizers would assess its effectiveness.

Deaton said the discussion of this plan is important, and he recognizes that it is also controversial. He said he wanted to hear the "questions, concerns and thoughts" of the Residential Life student staffers because they are often asked to deal with issues related to sexual health.

"If a student is sexually active, it is important for he or she to maintain protection," Deaton said at the discussion.

Not having to interact with anyone while acquiring a condom is a big part of the initiative's appeal to students in residence halls.

"It is embarrassing for some people to ask for a condom, and putting them in more convenient spaces makes people more likely to use them," Lathrop Hall Community Adviser Brittony Corneillier said.

Those who attended the RHA forum discussed possible locations for condoms in the residence halls. Ideas varied from the vending machines in suite-style living residence halls to utility rooms or lounges in more community-style living.

Forum attendees were supportive of the condom plan, but some also voiced concerns. The question of the cost for the condoms is still unanswered.

Corneillier said she does not think there should be a charge for the condoms.

"Some people don't carry change around," she said.

Corneillier said many of the sexual encounters are spur of the moment, and the hassle of finding the money to go purchase a condom could discourage the act of using one at all.

Jessica Graverholt, a residence hall coordinator who attended the forum, also said passing the cost to students is not the best option.

Another issue raised was the type of the container in which the condoms would be kept.

"Distribution is a major issue of discussion," Deaton said.

Some at the forum said they are concerned that condoms could be tampered with.

"The containers the condoms would he held in would have to be monitored and secured," Residence Hall Coordinator Hilary Lichterman said.

Graverholt said there would need to be enough supply to meet the students' needs because student population differs from hall to hall.

Although discussions of this plan have been popular, it still has some critics.

"We are not promoting sexual activity," Corneillier said. "We are encouraging those that are sexually active to practice safe sex."

Roughly a month ago, two private discussions about the condom initiative took place as part of the Difficult Dialogues program, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs said. Deputy Chancellor Assistant Roger Worthington moderated the private forums.

The Difficult Dialogues program is "designed to stimulate rigorous intellectual inquiry," according to its Web site.

Worthington declined to comment, and instead said he was still "gathering information," but Scroggs said a "good cross-section of faculty, staff and students" was present at the private talks.