University of New Hampshire Student Senate Wants Condoms in Dormitory Vending Machines

Condoms should be returned to vending machines in University of New Hampshire residence halls and on-campus apartments to "allow students quick, easy and reliable access to them," said a resolution passed by UNH's Student Senate.

Students can currently obtain free condoms at the campus infirmary during business hours. Many dorm resident assistants (RAs) and property managers who live in student housing have free condoms available in buckets in their rooms. A drug store and at least three other stores within walking distance of most UNH dorms sell condoms.

However, the student resolution noted that getting condoms from health services is not effective, and RAs do not always have condoms when students need them. Katherine Steere, chairperson of the Student Senate Council for Health and Human Services, which sponsored the resolution, pointed out that returning condoms to vending machines would create personal responsibility and improve access.

Scott Chesney, director of residential life, said condoms were available in campus vending machines as recently as three years ago. "It would be kind of interesting to find out why they were taken out," Chesney said. "I know it wasn't because of some ideological decision." The assistant vice president for business affairs, Anthony Zizos, oversees UNH purchasing. He was not available for comment at press time.

"I think providing the means for protection is the best practice," Steere said. "I don't think it will necessarily encourage people to have sex just because there's a condom in the vending machine."

The vending machines are run with an eye toward profitability for the university. UNH administrators will make the final decision.

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