INQUISITION NEWS: Fairfield, a Jesuit University: Let’s Talk About Sex

Let’s Talk About Sex

By: Peter Caty, Annie Rooney, Dan Leitão and Elizabeth Connors

Decisions the Fairfield University administration makes are often done for appearance. Suddenly cutting off all ties with Doug Perlitz, supporting LGBTQ rights and purchasing a fleet of hybrid Public Safety vehicles all make the University appear to be a sensible and accepting place.

Fairfield, a Jesuit University, doesn’t allow for the sale or distribution of condoms on campus. While Jesuit are often known as one of the most liberal Catholic orders, the forbiddance of condoms on one of the ways this administration proves we are still Catholic.

Yet isn’t it time for administrators to open their eyes to the undisputable facts that are in plain sight?

Our survey this week was distributed to 145 Fairfield students in the campus center and its results speak for themselves.

75% of students on campus are sexually active.

96% of students want condoms on campus.

94% of students don’t believe condom usage is immoral.

These percentages should not be ignored.

Research has proven that condoms prevent the spread of STDs and HIV/AIDS, and now the Pope acknowledges the reality as well.

Now the Pope has given a semi-nod for gay male prostitutes to use condoms to stop the spread of sexual infections, but Fairfield still refuses to change its condom policy.

Fairfield has non-Catholic students who may not feel that condoms are immoral, yet we do not provide the option for those students who want to act responsibly to protect themselves and their partners by practicing safe sex.

It is fair to say that students who enrolled in this University were aware of the ideals and mission of the Jesuits upon applying to join the community. As students in a Jesuit community, we are familiar with the Christian practices of abstinence and making love only to procreate or to strengthen the bond of a married couple. Being a Christian-centered community, aspiring to educate the whole person- mind, body and spirit – Fairfield University’s goals are not specifically geared in catering to students sexual needs or protective measures.

So the University is not responsible for providing these contraceptives free of charge, but we don’t understand why they cannot be available for purchase at our bookstore. Enrolled as undergraduates, we are all adults who deserve the right to take responsibility for our actions. Students without cars however cannot act responsibly in sexual situations unless they have stocked up prior to their September arrival.

Which of these situations is worse: Having a rack of condoms available in the shelves of the bookstore, or inspecting a dorm room with a drawer packed of a condom collection?