2008 Woodie Awards
'No condoms' distribution policy on campus a controversy
Availability of condoms on campus topic of discussion
Alex Tunney
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: News
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The campus condom availability policy is one example of The College of Saint Rose's traditions coming in conflict with the views of contemporary society. As of now there are no condoms readily available on campus for students, at least not any officially endorsed by the campus faculty and staff themselves.
"The policy for the campus is that condoms are not allowed to be distributed or made available on campus," said vice president for Student Affairs Dennis McDonald.
The policy was made by the previous president of the college and it has been readopted by President R. Mark Sullivan. The influence of the Catholic tradition is evident on campus and in the spirit of the policy.
"It flows out of our Catholic heritage," said McDonald.
Other schools in the area, such as SUNY Albany, have condoms available on campus. Students can buy condoms in packages of 25 for $8 on the campus' University Health Center pharmacy or buy them from vending machines in residence halls. SUNY Albany also has many programs regarding sexual health according to the Student Success portion of the university's website.
"We are a college with a Catholic history and tradition," said Reverend Christopher DeGiovine.
The College of Saint Rose was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet as a Roman Catholic college for women in 1920. It was not until 1970 that the Board of Trustees introduced lay people as members of the board. The influence of the Catholic Church and the sisters is felt today on campus.
"The Catholic Community has pretty strong opinions on pre-marital sex, abortion, and birth control," DeGiovine said. "The [Catholic] teaching does make sense and have value, but you have to balance that with the real world situation."
DeGiovine views himself as pragmatist. He emphasizes knowledge of the body on all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual. He believes that students should be aware of the toll intimacy can have when a relationship ends.
"The policy for the campus is that condoms are not allowed to be distributed or made available on campus," said vice president for Student Affairs Dennis McDonald.
The policy was made by the previous president of the college and it has been readopted by President R. Mark Sullivan. The influence of the Catholic tradition is evident on campus and in the spirit of the policy.
"It flows out of our Catholic heritage," said McDonald.
Other schools in the area, such as SUNY Albany, have condoms available on campus. Students can buy condoms in packages of 25 for $8 on the campus' University Health Center pharmacy or buy them from vending machines in residence halls. SUNY Albany also has many programs regarding sexual health according to the Student Success portion of the university's website.
"We are a college with a Catholic history and tradition," said Reverend Christopher DeGiovine.
The College of Saint Rose was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet as a Roman Catholic college for women in 1920. It was not until 1970 that the Board of Trustees introduced lay people as members of the board. The influence of the Catholic Church and the sisters is felt today on campus.
"The Catholic Community has pretty strong opinions on pre-marital sex, abortion, and birth control," DeGiovine said. "The [Catholic] teaching does make sense and have value, but you have to balance that with the real world situation."
DeGiovine views himself as pragmatist. He emphasizes knowledge of the body on all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual. He believes that students should be aware of the toll intimacy can have when a relationship ends.
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