Students are talking about sex
Letter to the Editor
This is in response to the April 4, Inside Column. First, I and a lot of other Notre Dame students have no problem acknowledging that we are sexual beings. Second, the statement that sex equals penetration is a "male-centered" opinion is a gross misrepresentation of males and the attitude of sex at Notre Dame in general.
The major factor as to why sex and penetration are so highly correlated here is due to Life Policy Four on page 124 of duLac. That's the one that says "sexual union" is not allowed and if you do it you "shall be subject to disciplinary suspension or permanent dismissal." That's a pretty big deal — analogous to excommunication if one sees Notre Dame as a "church" like community. So you can see why sex and penetration might be so often equivocated, as they hold the most direct repercussions beyond personal ones.
This policy is unrealistic and entirely lacking the necessary means to be enforced. Likewise, it serves only to preserve the facade of Notre Dame being a shining example of Catholicism, while failing to address the gray areas of sexual activity. Ultimately, it condemns one form of sexual activity and gives no recourse to acceptable, if any, forms of sexual expression.
Lastly, most people have an accurate estimation of their closer friends' level of "purity." To make assumptions about anyone you do not know in this matter is useless and only a reflection of one's own naïveté towards human nature.
Students do talk about sexuality here. Some are reluctant to start the conversation, but are more than willing to participate. The problem of not talking or listening falls predominantly on the shoulders of the administration.
Michael Campbell
Junior
Sorin College
April 3, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Thursday, April 6, 2000
