By Amanda Funai
Reading The Northeastern News, usually a good way to pass time between classes, became an exercise in disappointment last week. Right away, I noticed the new “Sex” section. A little apprehensive about this “liberation” of our school paper, I proceeded to read the stories.
The articles concerning the rape and the new University Health and Counseling Service-Forsyth (UHCS) were informative and interesting.
Both the articles encouraged students to protect themselves and practice safe behaviors, as well as alerting students to help — whether through the new rape counselor or the little-known services available at UHCS. The article about human sex habits also was interesting without being inappropriate or provocative.
However, I take issue with the article about the girls at Smith Hall entitled “SEXcapades,” especially after the request for more “SEXcapades” to publish in coming issues. Not only was the article sophomoric and inappropriate, The News seemingly endorsed irresponsible sex due to the publication of this story.
After reading the harrowing account of the girl who suffered rape as well as the similarly sobering statistics on unplanned pregnancies right above this story, I could scarcely believe the casual attitude on such a serious topic.
Sex is an important issue to college students. However, when we promote students who engage in seemingly casual sex and make a contest out of it, we are only hurting ourselves. Sex is something that should take place in a committed relationship, and in my belief, in a marriage. Whatever our beliefs, however, praising and condoning people who are irresponsible in their sexual lives gives a bad example to other students as well as the community and weakens the moral fabric of our university.
I urge The News to reconsider this section, especially the “SEXcapades” feature. Please promote a safe, healthy environment as well as a responsible, moral environment for the students at Northeastern. Make The News something we are proud to read and share with others.
— Amanda Funai is a senior electrical and computer engineering major.
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