St. Bonaventure does not have an obligation to provide contraception to students
By Michael Specht
Contributing Writer
Last week, an article was published by The Bona Venture titled “Bona’s should be proactive in protecting students’ sexual health.” The piece called for St. Bonaventure University to provide programs for students to be educated on sexually transmitted infections.
It also argued that condoms, whether free or for sale at the school bookstore, should be available on campus.
First, it cannot be denied that there are sexually-active students on this campus. St. Bonaventure is not unlike most other colleges in this regard. Teenagers and early twenty year olds living in close proximity create the opportunity for sexual activity.
It bears mentioning that St. Bonaventure University is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Church via the Diocese of Buffalo. Clergy work here and call Bona’s home.
It should come as no surprise to students that various tenets of the Catholic faith are implemented on campus. Comparing Bonaventure to secular institutions that provide these services is flawed, for the faith aspect of the university dictates certain policies.
According to the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, premarital sex is defined as “gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and of human sexuality which is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation and education of children.”
It is also referred to as “a grave scandal when there is corruption of the young.”
Why would an institution that was founded and is supported by the Catholic Church go against its teachings?
If there was a residence hall program that spoke about the dangers of STIs, then the school actively acknowledges that students are doing something the Church believes is morally wrong. Should St. Bonaventure also provide students transportation to the abortion clinic, or have workshops on how to effectively lie, cheat and steal?
There has been the idea of providing contraception to students on campus, either through residence hall programs, the Wellness Center, or for sale at the bookstore. The Catechism addresses contraceptives as well.
It states that the sacrament of marriage between a man and a wife is two things: unitive and procreative. The couple is united through God, and they are expected to welcome children into their lives. In regards to contraception, the Church is vehemently opposed to the idea, stating that “every action…to render procreation impossible is inherently evil.”
It is clear that the theological teachings of the Catholic Church are strongly against fornication as well as the use of contraceptives. Now, I understand many students on campus aren’t Roman Catholics, and many Catholics themselves know the Church’s stance on these issues and choose to act otherwise.
However, a private institution like St. Bonaventure has the right to certain policies, such as its stance on contraception and sexual education.
This situation was the topic of a March 2013 article on CNN.com. A Boston College student group, BC Students for Sexual Health, was notified by the school that disciplinary action would be taken if it was made known that the group was actively distributing contraception.
The student group was not recognized by the school as a legitimate club, and the Catholic Jesuit institution released a public statement saying that the school has a duty to enforce Catholic social teaching.
The BC Students for Sexual Health reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union to see if what they believe to be a violation of rights would hold up in a court of law. CNN legal contributor Sunny Hostin believes that BC has solid legal footing.
“You can’t force a private institution to allow [contraceptives].” Hostin said.
In the end, there is no room for serious talk of contraceptives and sexual health services here at St. Bonaventure. This institution prides itself on its Catholic Franciscan message that it preaches to both prospective and current students.
It is ultimately up to the student whether or not to implement these Catholic teachings in their lives. Any contradiction of this message compromises the identity of St. Bonaventure.
