The Washburn Review
In the Fall, 2002, the student newspaper, The Washburn Review, started publishing articles with sexual content.
|
September 5, 2002 Penis, penis, penis, vagina, vagina, vagina. In the past, these words have been almost as forbidden as the body parts they represent. However, with the changing times, there are changing views. It has come to Dr. Iris Gonzalez's attention that knowledge has not changed with the times. Gonzalez is Washburn University's on campus doctor. When Dr. Gonzalez first got her job here, one thing she was asked to do was show how to put a condom on. However, someone forgot to bring the banana. And while her toothbrush carrier worked, it just didn't seem right. There have been many times when administration has asked her to demonstrate the correct way of doing this for groups or classes. Now she has a proper tool to help her along. Doctor Gonzalez found that when you order boxes of condoms, the provider includes a free demonstrator. Though the idea of the penis demonstrator may not seem like an important instructional tool, |
it does allow a more realistic demonstration that helps in the learning process. Dr. Gonzalez informed me that this morning alone she gave out three morning-after pills. There are certainly more than a couple of guys out there praying they are not responsible and thankful that this solution is available. In theory, a condom has a 3 percent failure rate. In reality, it has 14 percent failure rate, and this is when they are put on correctly. This gives you a 1 in 6 chance of failure, you math wizards realize that these are not good odds. The main cause of this failure is breakage. Women who are trying to keep active sex lives by figuring out different ways to put them on your men might want to rethink that strategy, because it could cause more strain on the condom than pleasure on your man. As it turns out, those handy-dandy little pills you are taking are not full proof either. Failure rate for the pills is 5 percent. It is a little more comforting to know that when you combine the two, the failure rate is only 1 percent. That statistic is one Dr. Gonzalez feels is more acceptable. |
Proper condom application can protect you from more than just pregnancy. There are also a few STDs running around our little home away from home. Dr. Gonzalez diagnosed two cases of clamedia and two cases of gonorrhea this summer and one case of gonorrhea so far this fall. The student health department currently offers free diagnosis and treatment of these STDs. However, Dr. Gonzalez has reported 20 female cases for every one male case. She said she would direct the men to the public health department herself, in need be. At times, sex, and the objects used in the act of, can be a little embarrassing. Even if you get a little embarrassed, it is important to ask the proper person, because the wrong answer could result in an even more embarrassing outcome. Pictorial: Handy Bedside Condom Application Guide |
A member of the Board of Regents quickly responded, as did students, in Letters to the Editor.
Board of Regents member:
|
Dear Ms. Jones, I am writing this letter, after some consternation, to register my extreme disappointment in the judgment demonstrated by your staff concerning the above referenced article. As a proud graduate of Washburn University and a member of the Board of Regents, I have a deep love and commitment to the University. This commitment and ongoing interest only exasperates my displeasure concerning the article involving condoms. There is a fine line between information and good taste. This article has exceeded the boundaries of good taste. I feel that the Washburn Review has done a disservice to the parents, supporters, and yes, even the students, by using the Washburn Review as a sex education tool. It is not the proper venue for such a message. |
My positions may not be politically correct, however, as all young people mature and gain experience in their lives, they will find that a correct position will become more and more obvious. This is one of those times. I have employees that have children attending Washburn University. Quite frankly, I was embarrassed for my University and my employees having this message sent to them through the Washburn Review where their children certainly would be surprised if not offended by opening the paper to page 5, September 5, 2002. Hopefully, my comments will be accepted in the spirit in which they are given. Please, obtain an objective mature opinion from either a faculty advisor or perhaps a parent before publishing such tasteless articles in the future.
Very truly yours: |
Students:
|
Dear Review, I just wanted to thank you for the thoughtful article on condoms. It was such a humorous, inviting way to address topics that should be seriously considered by every person who has reached sexual maturity. It is nice that the students have a chance to think of these issues while perusing the paper instead of trying to make major decisions in the heat of passion. Sex is such a big responsibility. There are so many possible consequences. This is a good start in getting the facts to students on topics that might affect their whole life. Julie A. Gibbs |
Dear Sarah, Re: Mr. Timothy N. Etzel's Letter to the Editor I want you to know that I am proud of you and your staff. I am saddened to see that a member of our Board of Regents thought it appropriate to attack the work of responsible students who are using the University's student publication to provide supplemental education, in appropriate terms for their peers, on the importance and proper use of condoms. Melissa's article was excellent and totally appropriate to the target audience. Washburn's students have both a right and an obligation to advocate for responsible behavior in sex and other social activities that impact on the quality of life of students at this institution of higher learning. Please relay my support and admiration to your entire staff and your Advisor. I suspect you will find the overwhelming majority of Washburn's students, faculty, and staff, fully supportive of your endeavors. Bravo Washburn Review!
Dan Francis |
In spite of the criticism from the Board member, the articles continued, covering topics of safe sex, superior sex, and average male penis size. Then in November, 2002, the content of the student newspaper was discussed at a Board of Regents meeting.
November 20, 2002. Washburn University Board of Regents minutes:
"Regent Etzel said he was distressed by the explicit nature of an article appearing in a recent edition of the Washburn Review. There followed a brief discussion on the rights and responsibilities of the Board of Regents and administration about and liability for articles appearing in the student newspaper. Dr. Farley and University Counsel both noted judicial constraints placed upon public institutions of higher education concerning student newspapers. Legal counsel is to prepare a report outlining the organization of the student newspaper and summarizing legal research on student newspapers at public universities."
In the Spring, 2003 semester, the sexual content of articles in The Washburn Review (pdf) changed to what some may consider a more conservative nature.
What do you think? Meddling or just purely coincidental?