LETTER TO THE EDITOR

This is an open letter to the Boise State administration. In reference to the Arbiter article on September 2, 2008; O! Zone condom coupons censored.

As the owner of The O! Zone, I would like to share my thoughts and ask a few questions.

This story has traveled nationally and Internationally through various media avenues and I ask, why all the interest? Why did Boise State take this action? Why would an administrator at Boise State; an intuition of higher learning who is highly educated and holds a position of authority, choose to withhold a piece of paper offering those interested a discount on sexual health products? What prompted this administrator to make a decision based on five complaints or comments out of the 15,000 coupons offered? Why isn’t this administrator better versed on the First Amendment?

Why isn’t this administrator more aware of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s) that may occur when sexually active people engage in unprotected sex? Unplanned pregnancies are also a result of unprotected intercourse. Why isn’t this administrator aware that over 70% of college students are sexually active? Why isn’t this administrator tuned into the high rate of college students contracting sexually transmitted diseases?

Why doesn’t this administrator understand that education and access to condoms is a means to preventing the reoccurring cycle of disease and unplanned pregnancies? Would an administrator at this academic level, make a moral choice for the adult population that attends BSU? Maybe the loudest complainer was a large monetary donor to the university, I can only guess. Why doesn’t this administrator understand that knowledge is power? Power to make better personal choices with regards to sexual health.

As I try to understand the logic by which this BSU administrator made his/her decision, I am unable to fathom the answer. So I am left to ponder their reasoning.

This story has traveled so far because of the absurdity of the action taken by a BSU administrator to not allow a condom discount coupon at the bookstore.

To the individuals who do educate about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the prevention of unplanned pregnancies, I commend you! BSU has several highly qualified staff members who do provide sexual health information and access to condoms. I have had the privilege to work with many of them on various educational panels in the classroom and at the dorms of BSU.

I would welcome the opportunity, if BSU would name this administrator, to gather a panel of educators, to help him/her better understand the need for product access and sexual health education.

Sincerely,

Caryn Thompson -owner
The O! Zone Condom Shop
208-395-1977

Related Posts:

1. Condom use does not have holes
2. Fighting an epidemic with wishful thinking
3. Letters to the Editor
4. Sexual health lacks clean lines
5. STDs infect, irritate students