PEORIA —Several Bradley University students and alumni gathered on campus last week to protest their disapproval of the university’s revised condom distribution policy that will take effect next semester.

The Bradley University Student Senate recently passed the Sexual Health Resolution by a vote of 30-2, altering the university’s condom distribution policy.
In the fall of 2009, the Student Senate approved legislation that implemented a condom distribution policy on campus, allowing students who received sex education to purchase a pack of 15 condoms from the university for $1.
Despite the implementation of the condom distribution policy, students felt that condoms needed to be more accessible on campus, influencing the Student Senate to approve the Sexual Health Resolution.
“The university has been distributing condoms for two years,” said Tricia Anklan, a senior and president of the Student Senate. “Students felt that condoms needed to be more accessible on the campus and so because of that student request, we wrote legislation that changed the distribution policy.
“This was a student initiative because we want to be extra oriented in promoting our students’ health. We are happy to support them and help them make positive and healthy choices.”
Starting in the spring semester of 2012, Bradley University will distribute free condom packages to students in residence halls offices, offices in the Markin Family Student Recreation Center and the Wellness office.
Among those protesting against the Sexual Health Resolution last week were representatives of Bradley Students for Life.
A pro-life organization, BSFL thinks condoms are a health risk because they could leak or break during use.
“On the pro-life side of the issue, we are worried that condoms will increase the spread of venereal diseases and unintended pregnancy,” said Mary Kanowsky, a junior psychology major and co-president of BSFL. “Condoms can break or leak. AIDS virus can pass through latex condoms, and particles of talc that are found on some condoms can cause infertility and cancer.
“It’s not the university’s responsibility to provide contraceptives, and when condoms fail, the result is much more catastrophic than failed hand sanitizer.”
Because all full-time students are required to pay a Health Fee that will finance the condoms that will be distributed to students free of charge, BSFL also think the Sexual Health Resolution violates a policy outlined in the Student Handbook that reads: Bradley University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and the promotion of equal opportunities for all persons regardless of religion.
“The Sexual Health Resolution is a direct violation of that policy,” said Kari Lang, a junior nursing student and co-president of BSFL. “The Sexual Health Resolution would require the Health Fee of every student on campus to go towards the purchasing of condoms regardless of personal or religious beliefs.
“For Christians, Jews and Muslims, premarital sex is banned, and through our funds premarital sex is being encouraged. The three main religions have agreed this must be repealed, along with many alumni, parents, prospective students, local politicians, local religious figures and members of the Board of Trustees.”
Others who support the repeal of the resolution include the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and the Bradley Newman Center.
To repeal the resolution, legislation must be passed through both the Student Senate and Office of the President’s Cabinet. Although the Student Senate has allowed individuals to express their disapproval of the resolution during an open forum, the administration within the President’s cabinet has not yet responded to requests from those who want speak with them on the topic.
“Persons within the administration have repeatedly dismissed our attempts to speak with them on this topic,” said Kanowsky.
BSFL will continue to oppose the resolution until it is repealed, said Lang.
“We plan on using whatever resources are available to us while maintaining as much respect for others and consideration of any Bradley University rules,” said Lang. “We have gathered much support and will continue to oppose this resolution.”
According to Anklan, the condom distribution policy is similar to policies implemented at other Illinois universities.
“The condom distribution policy is not different from what other universities do,” said Anklan. “Many of the institutions Bradley compares itself to have distribution policies. Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, Drake University, Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois all distribute condoms.”
Bradley is able to purchase condoms at 1.5 cents apiece.