About 40 years ago, people might not have been as pleased as some NIU administrators to discover that almost 4,000 condoms have been purchased from the newly-installed machines on campus within a seven-month period.

Some might find the machines located in campus washrooms embarrassing, offensive or humorous, but these emotions are less important than the actual intention behind the machines.

And even though the issue of sex might still make people uncomfortable, NIU found a successful method of decreasing sexually transmitted diseases by installing these machines. No statistics are available to prove the number of STDs at NIU has decreased, but the sales figures alone prove the idea to be a success.

The machines are located in the bathrooms of some high traffic buildings and the residence halls. If 50 cents is too expensive or unattainable, one can always hike to the University Health Service and get as many condoms as he/she needs for free.

NIU initiated a positive project for its students, and it is working out for the best. Perhaps the good sales figures are saddening to some who feel premarital sex is on the rise, but that is not the important factor.

What is important is people are taking the time to protect themselves and others from disease that could lead to death. And if some unwanted pregnancies are prevented along the way, that is good too.