It is strangely fitting how easy it is to obtain condoms on our campus.
As a learning institution, our university exists to provide frequent and varied opportunities that prepare us for adult life. While some hone their academic skills, others expand their communicative abilities–some even manage both at once. We are all learning a lot, both inside and outside of school. It only makes sense that one of the things we learn about is sex.
Sex, like any other outlet for college students, is found most often in excess. Luckily, unlike other such outlets, sex is not addictive or inherently damaging. When done correctly, it is both legal and downright awesome. In all honesty, I should not have to explain why sex is great, I just want to clarify that I get it–sex rocks. But, when it comes right down to it, sex is not a necessity.
Again, I get it–sex can be valuable in any number of ways. I also understand that safe sex is important, especially as sexually active college-age students. But there is really no need for the university to buy/provide/house condoms on our campus. You know what would be better? Free tampons!
It is entirely possible that I just lost your attention, but if you are sensible enough to not be thrown by the name of a functional piece of cotton, allow me to explain.
Imagine if our campus did not provide toilet paper in public bathrooms. Soap, water, the toilets themselves, everything else is still there, just not the toilet paper. At this point, students would be expected to bring their own toilet paper if they needed to relieve themselves while on campus. Though some may be very good at remembering to bring their rolls with them every single day, you might not be so mindful. Inevitably, one day you would enter the bathroom, start about your business, then realize that you are not properly equipped for the task at hand. The events that would follow could range from mildly embarrassing to upsettingly messy.
For many, this is the surprise that comes with starting a period.
This may not necessarily be the prettiest or most accurate allusion to make. However, it seems to be the easiest to grasp when attempting to explain to people that do not have periods what it is like to start a period without a tampon on-hand. Tampons and pads, like toilet paper and soap, are necessities if we want to maintain a sanitary and comfortable experience on campus. Condoms do not share this significance.
The fact that condoms are widely available for free while tampons are not is baffling. Condoms, while wildly important, are tools of leisure, not of necessity. Sex is never imperative–it can be postponed without consequence.
Once more for those in the back: Sex is never imperative. On the other hand, menstruation is. So, when deciding which should be free on campus (and everywhere else), tampons beat condoms hands down.
