I am writing to clarify some things that were not mentioned in the caption “No Condom Wednesdays” under the picture of Tom Short in the Sept. 17 Daily. I am part of the Student Health Advisory Committee.

As a group we promote a healthy environment on campus. One of our major projects happens to include Condom Wednesdays. Not only do we pass out free condoms, but we also educate people and raise awareness of safe sex practices through presentations given all over campus (per request). We are not promoting sex on campus.

We don’t just pass out condoms, as many have come to believe. We also promote abstinence as a method of safe sex.

So why don’t we have “Abstinence Wednesdays?” Because statistics show that abstinence-only programs don’t work to prevent the spread of STDs or pregnancy. Providing condoms is one way to reach as many people as possible. It is a fact that some college students will have sex no matter what they are told.

Our T-shirts are meant to be attention-getters. They say “Ask me about free condoms” because we want people to ask us about free condoms. We want to inform them about safe sex through condom use as well as through abstinence. They are not a joke and they are not free.

Condom Wednesdays is not meant to step on the toes of those who believe in abstinence. Those who practice this method are not the ones who need our help or education. They are not at risk for contracting STDs or becoming pregnant.

Other events that are important to us are Alcohol Awareness Week and World AIDS day. As a committee that is designed to cater to the needs of the students, we are more than willing to accept and discuss any alternative solutions or suggestions on how we can better improve our campus.

All we are trying to accomplish as a group is to provide a safer and healthier environment for students, faculty and staff.

Jessica Brimeyer

Senior

Health and Human Performance