Letter to the Editor

Nov 5 2009 - 12:09am | David Wiley

I wish to express my concern over an editorial in the Oct. 28 edition of The University Star that attributed blatantly incorrect statements to me. I was originally interviewed by Clay Thorp, a Star reporter, regarding a story about whether or not the Student Health Center should offer free sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening.

In the editorial written by Tristan Watson about that story I was accurately quoted when I said “Abstinence-only education teaches students not having sex is the only 100 percent sure way to not contract a STI. This forgoes instruction on the proper use and effectiveness of condoms.”

How do I know what goes on in abstinence-only sexuality programs? It just so happens I am co-author of the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on the status of sexuality education in Texas public schools. A copy of our highly acclaimed report is available at www.justsaydontknow.org.

In Mr. Watson’s admonition to students to remain abstinent, he states, “Providing unsuited statements like this mislead students into believing casual sex is acceptable.”

He then accuses me of “encouraging students to have premarital sex.” He continues, “Condoms and contraceptives are not 100 percent effective, and stating otherwise would be illogical.”

He closes by noting, “...educating students about responsible sexual practices at Paws Preview and orientation is not a decision that should even be considered.”

For the record, I have been a professional health educator for more than 30 years and have never once said condoms or other forms of contraception are “100 percent effective.” In addition, I have never “encouraged” premarital or casual sex.

In short, Mr. Watson fabricated those statements.

Here’s what is true.

The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of Texas high school students revealed 6 out of 10 graduating seniors had had sexual intercourse at least once. In addition, Texas youth rank higher than the national average in virtually every sexual risk-taking behavior and Texas ranks third in the nation in teen births. The recent American College Health Association survey of students at Texas State found almost 85 percent had participated in oral, anal or vaginal intercourse in the past year. Of those who had had vaginal sex within 30 days of the survey, a full 25 percent did not use a condom. It should also be noted there is an 85 percent likelihood of pregnancy for those who are sexually active and not using any form of birth control.

Clearly, no one needs any “encouragement” to be sexually active.

It is all well and good to hope everyone remains sexually abstinent, but the reality is far different. Some of the highest percentages of unintended births and abortions occur to college-aged females. In fact, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy recently changed its name to the “National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy” to help focus attention on sexual risk-taking of college students.

We should absolutely be talking with students at every opportunity about responsible sexual conduct. Most of our students have grown up in the “Conspiracy of Silence” around sexual health, so it’s no wonder they make such bad and ill-informed decisions. We have only ourselves to blame if the university actively or passively participates in this silence.

The ignorance exhibited by Mr. Watson is but one example of why the Texas State community should have open dialogue about these other health issues important to college and life success.

Sincerely,
David C. Wiley

David C. Wiley, Ph.D.
Professor of Health Education
Chair, Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
President, American School Health Association

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