A proposal to place condom vending machines in some university buildings might be thought of as an offensive move by some. It might appear as a promotion of promiscuity to others. But when thoroughly considered, the proposal shows the university’s concern for the health and well-being of its students and a respect and trust in students’ ability to make mature decisions.

It is time to face the facts. Students will be sexually active regardless of whether condoms are made available for free at the University Health Center, sold in local drug stores or distributed through coin-operated vending machines on campus.

The presence of condom vending machines would be neither offensive nor improper if placed in university bathrooms. Instead the presence might result in a positive university stance on the promotion of safe sex.

Sexually active students might be more inclined to make use of condoms as a means of birth control and prevention for sexually transmitted diseases if they have the ability to obtain the condoms discreetly within the privacy of a bathroom.

The embarrassment of facing a person behind the counter when purchasing condoms at a local store or getting free condoms on a trip to the health center could deter both male and female students. The option of using a non-personal machine might provide relief from such embarrassment and offer an alternative for students too scared or shy to enter the health center or a drug store to obtain condoms.

Such a proactive position taken by the university would be a benefit to all students, both here and at other universities.

By making condoms available to students through vending machines in campus buildings, NIU would be encouraging better health care to students and developing a positive new trend for other universities to follow.