Condoms not in halls this semester

By Jaryd Wilson

Published March 2, 2007

Following the first committee meeting about how to put condoms in the residence halls on Tuesday, Residential Life Director Frankie Minor said condoms and sexual health products probably wouldn't be available this semester.

"We talked about the fact that it's probably not realistic that we get anything implemented this semester, so our goal is to develop strategies," Minor said. "Ideally we would have a program implemented this fall."

The meeting's goal was to determine which groups and organizations on campus should be a part of the implementation, as well as to start conversation about how to implement the condom plan in the residence halls.

Invitations were sent out to the Legion of Black Collegians, the Residence Halls Association, the Missouri Students Association, the Graduate Professional Council and representatives from Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Residential Life and the Student Health Center.

"The goal is to get a diverse group of students from different organizations to have a say," Student Health Center Director Susan Even said.

Minor and Susan Even head the committee, which was set up by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs.

Minor said the committee is in its early stages and has not yet proposed any strategies.

"Our understanding is that we need to develop strategies to make condoms and sexual health products available in residence halls and submit them to Dr. Scroggs for approval," Minor said. "We talked about who needs to be involved, and this meeting was about beginning to get the ball rolling."

RHA President Greg Davis said there wasn't much to say yet about the committee.

"The committee has just been formed, so there haven't been any major decisions yet," Davis said. "I can't speak for the individuals, but as an organization RHA supports the initiative."

Minor said one of the issues that will be discussed is protecting the integrity of the condom and sexual health products.

The press was not allowed into the meeting.

"Part of this process is having open dialogue and conversation," Minor said. "We didn't want students or staff to feel pressure about what they are saying."

Although the eventual implementation could require university funding, Minor said it is not the main issue.

"Cost might be an issue that we have to explore, but right now we are more concerned with talking to the committee members," Minor said.

Minor emphasized that the initiative is for the students.

"Students have made their opinions very clear," Minor said. "This is a program that was designed with students in mind, and students will be involved with this process."

According to Even, the committee is going to try to schedule meetings routinely.

"We want to have meetings as often as weekly, but it has yet to be decided," she said.

Minor said the committee schedule would depend on the availability of the committee members.