The Saint

Story by: Arabella Cummings, Guest Writer

Editors Note: This event took place on our campus, an institution rooted in the Universal Roman Catholic faith. It violates Church teachings on both Fornication and Contraception (CCC 2353 and 2370). The Saint is committed to the Freedom of the Press under the Mission and Vision of Aquinas College to report with student writers and artists on creating quality stories that highlight the News of campus; including Culture, Student Opinions, Catholicism, Fine Arts, and Sports updates, and to engage and educate our Aquinas community through the discussion those stories inspire attributed to live virtuously for the common good.

Aquinas’ Advocating for Women’s Health and Safety registered student organization (AWHS RSO) is all about promoting the health and safety of women on the Aquinas Campus.  The president of the organization, De-Jahnae Denard, said, “We thrive to have a discussion on women’s issues and help educate our community on the truth of women’s health.”  

Part of this mission of women’s health education includes addressing the stigmatized – and often not talked about – topic of sex and sexual health.  To promote safe sex in a fun and approachable way the club hosted a “Spooky Safe Sex” event on Tuesday, October 31 at Wege Mall on campus, where they handed out 1,000 free condoms which were acquired through a donation from Planned Parenthood.  There was also chalk available for attendees to create sidewalk art showing support for women’s issues.  And, in the spirit of Halloween, the event had plenty of free treats as well.

According to Jan Kaufman, Director of Public Health at Washington and Lee University, one in four college students has a sexually transmitted infection (STI).  Kaufman explains that 80 percent of individuals do not experience symptoms and may unknowingly communicate the infection to sexual partners.  Engaging in safe sex practices, such as using condoms, is an important and highly effective way to prevent the transmission and further spread of these infections, as well as unplanned pregnancies.  Abigail Vallance said, “The purpose of this event is to provide free contraceptives to our campus community.”  “It is incredibly important to be able to provide students with free products to protect themselves,” she added.  

Dr. Satya Lendrum, assistant professor of sociology, is the faculty advisor for the AWHS RSO.  “This is especially important now that we are living in a post-Roe reality,” said Lendrum. “In this part of the state, students are also less likely to have had comprehensive sexual education in high school that would have dealt with issues around best sexual health practices, including consent and the use of condoms.”  By providing students with the knowledge of safe sex practices and the resource of free contraceptives, the RSO hopes to help make Aquinas a safer, healthier place for all students.   

A third-year student who attended Tuesday’s event, Lauren Davis said, “Being in the community and helping to end the stigmatization of sexual health, especially for women, was such a profound and impactful experience.”  “We strive to make our club a safe space for students on campus,” said Denard, “We are excited to be active on campus again and have a lot of fun events planned so be on the lookout!”  Students who are interested in learning more about or would like to become a member of the Advocating for Women’s Health and Safety registered student organization can find it on the MyAQ platform or by the handle @awhs.aq on Instagram.