Campus, Catholicism, condoms

By Editorial

Many students describe Santa Clara as a relatively liberal campus for an institution affiliated with the Catholic Church. Instead of emphasizing Catholicism, the core religious studies requirements encourage students to widen their perspectives by learning about other faiths. In addition, Mass attendance is purely voluntary, unlike other denominational universities which require participation in religiously-based meetings.

However, once confronted with the university's policy on providing contraceptives, these same students may have to think twice.

Santa Clara's stance is that condom "distribution represents advocacy rather than education, and therefore is not an appropriate response at a Catholic, Jesuit university," according to the 2003-2004 Community Handbook.

With so many cases of unwanted pregnancies and the proliferation of STDs among the college-aged demographic, the aforementioned university policy may be considered antiquated when compared to current social conditions.

It's a fact that young people need to be educated about the risks and dangers associated with sexual activity.

It's a fact that young people need to make responsible decisions based upon the information.

It's also a fact that Santa Clara, as a Jesuit institution, chooses to act in accordance with Catholic morals and philosophies.

Whether Santa Clara's contraceptive distribution stance is socially acceptable or not, each student, upon matriculation to this university, is aware of the Church's influence at Santa Clara.