I recently conducted some research and study about my campuses distribution policy. I found out that handing out condoms is considered promotion of sex. While I do not condone sex, I am well aware that it is happening on campus. I decided to put three small buckets in the bathrooms to see if students would take them. And of course, they did, many students were very excited about this and thanked me in the hallway. However, the next day, I was told that the resident hall director was looking for me. Jumping to conclusion thinking I was in trouble, I emailed her before the situation would get to out  of control, and tis is that series of emails.

Katherine,

My neighbor just told me that she saw you at my door this morning. Me and my roommate didnt here the knocking, I apologize. I was wondering if it had anything to do with the condoms in the third floor bathrooms.  I was just trying to give others something that they need and may be to ashamed to get. I understand it was against school policy, but I am very concerned about the lack of sexual education on campus. There are no resources available to students who are sexually active. i understand that this is a catholic institution where students should not be doing "sinful" things, like having sex and drinking. However, it is 2009 and I think it is time someone opened their eyes and realized students are going to do these things regardless of school policy. Also, I feel there is nothing wrong with spreading the idea of prevention of STDs and unwanted pregnancies. After all, STDs are at an all time high, according to sites like CNN 1 in 5 people between the ages of 16-25 have an STD. Thats shocking to think that roughly 20% of our campus population  has an STD. I also think that SXU has a little bit of a double standard when it comes to dorm rules. From what I, and numerous others, understand is that you can have someone on campus that is of the opposite sex stay the night with you, but if you have a significant other that does not live on campus, they can not stay the night. This rule I think preaches to SXU students that if they have a boyfriend or girlfriend on campus, they can stay in each others rooms as long as they want. Also, there are numerous homosexual couples that i know of that room together. I think all students should be treated equal, and this just shows that they are not. By distributing condoms, in no way am I condoning sex, I just want to prevent the awareness and spreading of STDs and unwanted pregnancies. I know this was in the wrong in the eyes of the school, but if everyone is going to turn a blind eye and ignore whats happening here, I feel like it was my responsibility as student to  take initiative and give students what they need to stay safe. Thank you for your time, if what I did is punishable, I will take whatever punishment I get.

Kristin Dingman
 

Hello Kristin,

Nobody is being punished.  However, you should have talked with me or somebody from residence life before starting this project.  Especially since it sounds like you knew it might have been against our policies.  I would love to meet with you and Colleen to talk about some of your concerns and help you find some ways to appropriately address them.  Please stop by my office so we can talk.

Kathryn

Now, Im not going to jump to conclusions. But I am pretty sure our discussion is going to be something like "STOP!" And, well, I am not going to. I also am pretty sure I risk the chance of being officially served for breaking the rules and may have to go through a hearing. Which believe me, I am totally ready for. I have a few "graphic" surveys for students regarding sex and condom use on campus in the dorms. I will hand them out and collect the data for future blogging and research. I am enjoying my distribution, just this blogging is getting to me, I had so much to catch up on. I am proud to say I have distributed nearly 250 condoms and received many thank-you's and other suggestions... I hope everyone is having as much success as me.. I try not to take things as a step back, just as a progressive step forward. I am hoping I am able to open the eyes of the administration and hope they take control of this situations so the safety and well-being of students is not dependent on other students. Thanks for reading. =)