Earlier this week, the SGA placed condom dispensers in the restrooms on all floors of the Brody Learning Commons and on the M and Q levels of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library. The Editorial Board commends the SGA in its endeavor to promote safe sexual practices among the student body.
Given that the free condom supply was completely depleted within five days, this new resource clearly meets a demand for accessible protection. Additionally, this shows an attempt to extend accessible free condoms to upperclassmen, who may not have the opportunity to request free condoms from Resident Advisors. As Hopkins is such an academically-minded school, placing condoms in library bathrooms will likely reach a greater portion of students. The Editorial Board believes that the SGA will fulfill its goal of minimizing embarrassment for students who may be too shy to procure condoms otherwise.
The SGA has also illustrated that it values quality in its decision to distribute Lifestyles condoms, a brand which is provided to the university by the Maryland State Administration. Lifestyles’s variety of flavors and sensitivities will appeal to many.
Hopkins has a history of providing students access to sexual health information. This year’s “Sex Signals for College Singles (and Everyone Else)” orientation event (as well as similar events in the past) have taught freshmen safe sexual practices from the beginning of their time at Hopkins. Apart from the library condom dispensers and Resident Advisors, students can also obtain free condoms at the Student Health and Wellness Center.
