Not everyone is jumping on the Bill
Gates condom bandwagon.
On the contrary, in a surprising move, Boston College has warned that
students distributing condoms on its campus may face disciplinary action.
Students running "safe sites" in dorm rooms providing condoms
and advice may be violating the Catholic school's religious mission, officials
said.
A student spokeswoman said the students offer a service not otherwise
available at the university, and the ACLU has said it may take legal action.
In a letter sent to students, Paul
Chebator, dean of students, and George Arey, dean of residence life, said the
distribution of condoms conflicted with its mission.
Specifically, the "responsibility to protect the values and
traditions of Boston College as a Jesuit, Catholic institution," the
Boston Globe reported.
"While we understand that you may not be intentionally violating
university policy, we do need to advise you that should we receive any reports
that you are, in fact, distributing
condoms on campus, [this] would be referred to the student conduct office
for disciplinary action by the university."
Lizzie Jekanowski, chairwoman for the BC Students for Sexual Health,
said the college had been aware of the program but never before warned it would
take action.
"We were very disappointed that the signatories of the letter
didn't contact us beforehand," Jekanowski said. "We've had a very
open relationship, and it's been very positive."
"This letter was very war-mongering and threatening."
Meanwhile, the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) said the university's warning was inappropriate and may even violate the
law.
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