BCSSH states 2012-2013 goals and asks for petition signatures

We, the members of Boston College Students for Sexual Health (BCSSH), are running a petition campaign, asking the administration to take a more reasonable approach to sexual health on campus, one that is applicable to all BC students, not solely those who prescribe to the traditional Catholic teachings. Thus, we call for a comprehensive and evidence-based model providing students with the resources, information, services, and counseling necessary for safe sexual decision-making—in whatever form people consensually choose. Sexual health is a medical and public health issue, not a religious one. BC’s Jesuit identity has been rationalized as the biggest obstacle to reform. BCSSH fundamentally values BC’s unique religious identity, but student health and religion are not mutually exclusive. We have never advocated for any type of sexual decisions, except those that are consensual, medically safe, and empowered by one’s personal beliefs. BC students are legally adults, and they need to be provided with the information, resources, and support to grow into individuals who are confident in this realm of their lives.

 

This is the first step of a long campaign for these demands to be realized: that the health of every student be prioritized, not just that of a single group. Our petition calls for students to realize the lack of sexual health information and resources on campus, and to demand that changes be made. We intend to present the petition at the end of the 2012-2013 academic year to the administration. Thus, we ask you, students, faculty, alumni, and administrators to sign this petition. Change is never easy but it is possible. Look to the creation of GLC, which challenged BC to change and reevaluate the meaning of its religious identity to be inclusive of all people.

 

These issues matter are of the utmost importance as they concern the safety and well-being of every student at BC.

 

Our BC is better than this and we hope you agree. Please sign our petition.

 

Thank you,

Boston College Students for Sexual Health

 

Petition of BCSSH:

We, the members of Boston College Students for Sexual Health and the following signatories - all of whom are students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the Boston College community - demand that Boston College take a more realistic, pragmatic, and responsible approach to the sexual and reproductive health of its students. We demand an on-campus Sexual Health Resource Center, either as an extension of the Office of Health Promotion or through Health Services that will provide: 

1) Access to contraceptives, birth control, and emergency contraception on campus.

2) Free STI testing through Health Services

3) Comprehensive and inclusive sexual health information.

4) Positive sexual decision-making programming.

We also demand that all of these are implemented in a transparent and expedient manner, including student representation in every step of the process, by the start of the 2013-2014 academic year.