University advocates sexual awareness
By Chris O'Connell
A new approach to the contentious issue of student sexuality on campus will be revisited next quarter, when a new publication debuts from university administrators on students' experiences on sex and abstinence.
The publication on sexual intimacy, drafted by Dean for Student Life Jeanne Rosenberger and Assistant Dean Lisa Millora, will push Santa Clara into a more open arena and incorporate students' perspectives, with letters from Santa Clara graduates on contraceptives and abstinence.
The pamphlet will not, however, outline how Santa Clara students can obtain contraceptives from the university; this is because Santa Clara does not offer contraceptives to students based on the university's religious philosophy.
"We're a Catholic school," said Rosenberger. "We're not going to take a position against the Church; but we do provide information regarding STDs and birth control. We try to find a position on [contraceptives] that is both professionally ethically and appropriate at a Catholic university."
Although the Cowell Health Center does not distribute condoms and other contraceptives, the health center reserves the right to supply students with information on birth control availability as well as refer students to private physicians and public health clinics such as Planned Parenthood.
Director of Health and Counseling Services Larry Wolfe, Ph.D., said that regardless of the university's approach to the situation, students should still be informed about their options.
"I accept the university's stance on contraceptives because I work here," said Wolfe. "But I won't make these types of decisions for students; I will provide information and help them make choices." Ã Ã
On page 24 of Community Handbook, there is a policy regarding condom availability and distribution on campus. The policy states that condoms and birth control are not available because Santa Clara is a Catholic, Jesuit institution.
"The [Catholic] teaching on birth control applies to sexual relations within marriage," said Paul Crowley, S.J., a professor of religious studies. Crowley said the Church intends these teachings for married, not unwed, people.
He said he believes that since there are few married undergraduates at Santa Clara, the university is in a complicated position to make policy on contraception that, according to Catholic teaching, would not apply to a majority of the student body.
Although this may be the case, Santa Clara is not directly controlled by the Catholic Church. A board of trustees, sponsored by the Society of Jesus, serves as the governing body of the university and drafts all community policies.
Although the Board of Trustees decided not to make contraceptives available to students for the purpose of birth control, Helms said that birth control pills are sometimes prescribed to students for their therapeutic benefits, such as acne treatment and menstrual regulation.
Students have varying opinions of Santa Clara's contraception policy.
"A contraceptive policy is not necessary," said junior Dom Guzzetti. "What students do outside of school - especially in terms of sex - is not the university's concern."
Guzzetti said that if Santa Clara began to provide birth control, some students may in fact be more encouraged to engage in sexual activity, negating Catholic teachings even more.
On the other hand, senior Mika Sazon believes that students' personal health may not be the university's responsibility, but argues that prescriptions for birth control and condom distribution would benefit the student body.
She said she believes that a medical center can provide contraceptives at a Catholic institution and still be morally correct.
"I understand that Santa Clara is a Jesuit school," said Sazon. "But at the same time, there are lots of students and Catholics alike who use birth control. The school and Church should recognize this, discuss these important issues and have a more relevant dialogue with the congregation."
Wolfe said that results from a new college health survey will be released next year. He hopes that the results will offer a good comparison between Santa Clara and other universities regarding birth control and STDs.
According to Helms, instances of STDs at Santa Clara are very low compared to most universities. She said a large number of students practice effective forms of protection, including choosing not to have sex at all.
"I am really impressed at the number of students who practice abstinence," said Helms. "They really believe in the philosophy: that I'm going to wait to find the person I love to have sex with."
Contact reporter Chris O'Connell at coconnell@scu.edu or at (408) 554-4546.