n Olena Ripnick describes a policy at Boston University that has failed women, from limiting access to contraception to ignoring rape (“A call for change: BU’s ignorant policy is not bliss,” Oct. 11, p. 9). BU can definitely improve its policy on and increase its resources for sex-related issues, but the university’s deficiencies are encumbering to all students, not just female students.
For example, open access to condoms would decrease the occurrence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in both men and women. I worked at the CVS Pharmacy across the street from Student Health Services and prepared prescriptions for Valtrex (herpes), Aldara (genital warts) and other medications for STDs (syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, etc.) that were prescribed equally and frequently to both men and women.
It is plausible that BU’s pre-prescription video for female birth-control pills discourages some women from visiting health services, but this policy may serve as a compromise between a progressive student body that wants easy-access contraception and a relatively conservative administration that wants to preserve its Methodist heritage.
I will not comment on BU’s emergency contraceptive policy, because the Food and Drug Administration legalized over-the-counter sales of Plan B on Aug. 24, 2006, which precludes any attempt by BU to limit access to Plan B.
The disproportionate burden placed on women by BU’s policies is less obvious than Ripnick describes. Ripnick also claims BU ignores rape, and she assumes that only women want and need rape counseling and prevention.
I was sexually assaulted in July 2005, and experienced the trauma, anxiety and depression that proceeded rape. Fortunately, the staff at SHS, especially Dr. Weber, was supportive, compassionate and knowledgeable.
In addition, to the emotional support, Weber provided me with rape crisis information, STD-testing protocol, and a prescription for post-exposure prophylaxis.
BU does offer many resources for rape-crisis. These resources could be advertised and funded more than they are now, but BU does not ignore rape.
Furthermore, rape does not just hurt women; rape hurts both men and women. BU can improve its policies on sex-related issues as a service to all students on campus. I propose that condoms be more readily available throughout campus. For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers condoms throughout its residence halls.
Additionally, BU should increase its funding to support groups on campus such as Speak Easy. Finally, the Student Union, campus fraternities, sororities, VOX, Spectrum and other groups should press the administration to fund a gender-neutral ‘safe space’ where men and women can find the resources they need.
Skyler W. Brader
CAS ’07