Healthy decisions
Regarding 'Princeton's latex lies' (Friday, Nov. 9, 2007):
Some facts need to be clarified about University Health Services' role in addressing sexual activity on campus. The team of dedicated health professionals who comprise UHS is aware of the challenges faced by young adults. As such, we offer comprehensive health advice and care and do not rely on any one means, including condom distribution, to address these needs. Nor do we promote or support any particular choice related to sexual activity, as clearly this is a substantial matter best decided by responsible individuals.
With respect to sexual health, we educate students about the consequences of choices and provide students with the tools available to address whatever choices students make. We provide information about various options, including abstinence, in keeping with Centers for Disease Control in Prevention (CDC) guidelines. According to the CDC, "the surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a longterm mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected. For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STDs, correct and consistent use of [a] latex condom can reduce the risk of STD transmission." Accordingly, condoms are available upon request at the check-in desk in the outpatient clinic.
Healthcare providers at UHS are acutely concerned about the sexual and psychological health of students and are knowledgeable about the ramifications students face as a result of unhealthy choices. We work diligently to assist students in making healthy decisions to avoid the types of consequences described in this column.
We encourage students to explore ways to make the University a healthier environment for all. Janet Finnie Interim Executive Director University Health Services
Lacking logic
Regarding 'Princeton's latex lies' (Friday, Nov. 9, 2007):
Francisco Nava '09 strikes a blow for common sense by arguing against the free availability of condoms on campus, but he does not go far enough. Seat belts, while remarkably effective at protecting the driver and passengers in violent collisions, cannot protect the car itself. It is therefore bad policy to wantonly endorse the wearing of seat belts in cars as a means to "safer" driving if doing so gives a false sense of security to motorists. Now that is good logic. Mark Salzman '07
Scare tactics misused
Regarding 'Princeton's latex lies' (Friday, Nov. 9, 2007):
Francisco Nava '09's column reeks of paternalistic scare tactics. Safe sex and casual hookups inevitably lead to antidepressants? Really? What crowd is Nava hanging out with, anyway? What's really crazy about Nava's column, however, are his accusations against University health professionals. To Nava, the doctors and nurses at McCosh are depraved and malicious liars. Why? Because they provide the supplies and services requested by students every day. And they do so with compassion and professionalism, treating students like the adults we are. Just where do they get off, anyhow? Sara Viola '08
Dillon solutions
Regarding 'Letters to the Editor' (Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007):
While Susan Crane makes helpful suggestions for lessening slightly in the short-term, many of Dillon Gym's most serious issues are impervious to such quick fixes. I've no doubt that group fitness programs may work for some; many, if not most, students simply want easy access to a treadmill in the colder months. Furthermore, many students are in classes or meetings all day and through late at night. The 4:30-6 p.m.time frame is then not a coincidental or arbitrarily chosen time, but may in fact represent the only free hour and a half in our days (the treadmills also tend to be crowded between 9 and 10 a.m.) Indeed, the only practical solution is to increase the number of machines. The USG remains, as always, ready to assist the administration in expanding the Stephens Fitness Center.
Now, as always, the USG has no doubts as to the administration's best intentions to meet student needs. We also uniquely appreciate the physical, logistical and financial challenges met in renovating large areas of the campus and are grateful for all of the large scale expansions and renovations currently underway and/or planned. The USG remains, however, ready to aid and assist the administration in expanding the Stephens Fitness Center as soon as it is willing to do so. Rob Biederman '08 USG President
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The income that students earn from employment is not “miscellaneous.” So Princeton must decide: Does it want its students — all of them, not only those who can afford it — to be able to work on the important research happening at Princeton, or be forced to go home?