Condom talks to get hotter
Jan. 26, 2007
After a month's hiatus, the condom debate continues with a report detailing the results of the multiple discussions about condoms.
The debates in the residence halls concluded that the majority of participants expressed "favorable views" toward placing free condoms in residence halls.
The report, which concluded that logistical and moral issues are areas of concern, was submitted to Deputy Chancellor Michael Middleton's office Dec. 7.
Phi Beta Sigma fraternity proposed a pilot program earlier in the year that would place free condoms, sexual health information, female condoms and dental dams in residence halls. Chancellor Brady Deaton stopped the plan in October, citing in a news release the need for further discussion.
Phi Beta Sigma President Chris Keller said though the plan has not been set into motion, he thinks it will happen soon.
"As far as the students go, I think the approval has been shown," Keller said.
Assistant to the Deputy Chancellor Roger Worthington compiled the report after a request by Middleton for the leaders of the Difficult Dialogues program to gather information about the condom plan as well as play host to a series of dialogues about the issue.
The information in the report was assembled from several public forums, news media articles, letters to the administrators and correspondence with invited participants.
Worthington said the dialogues sponsored by the team were publicized through several organizations on campus.
The report divides the issues with condoms into five categories: sexual health, logistical issue, moral issue, political issue and diversity issue.
The report states research provides evidence that "the availability of condoms is useful and warranted."
"Research does not support the notion that making condoms available will increase sexual activity," Worthington stated in the report.
It was reported that proponents generally promoted sexual health education with the plan and opponents tended to advocate abstinence education.
Many participants compared the condom plan to STRIPES because STRIPES does not endorse underage drinking, but it allows for people who choose to do so to be safe.
"The vast majority of participants who voiced opposition to the plan articulated a variety of ways the proposal would present logistical problems," Worthington stated in the report.
Several logistical issues were raised, including the problem of tampering or pranks and location.
Most participants stated in the report that they would support the plan, given an appropriate plan was formed to address the logistics.
"Only a small number of participants described their central objection to the plan as a moral concern," Worthington stated in the report. "These participants viewed the proposal as an assault on their moral values and resolutely expressed unwavering opposition."
A majority of the participants agreed the issue involves significant moral issues. The moral concerns included whether condoms would promote sexual promiscuity and whether those who find condoms reprehensible should be forced to encounter them. Another issue raised was whether it would be moral to make condoms unavailable to students.
The report states the political issue is not one of the debate's central issues. It states the plan was viewed as a "liberal social agenda" and the opposition as outsiders trying to interfere with the workings of the university.
The report states a small number of people consider it an issue of diversity, and they were concerned that "race, gender, sexual orientation and religion play critical roles in the ways people perceive the issues involved."
Middleton could not be reached for comment.
"I think Chancellor Deaton is starting to listen to the students," Keller said. "And I'm confident he will make the right decision."
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