My entry this month is more questions than answers, although I’m sure you’ll be able to determine what is being said. Perhaps it will prompt more questions and answers from and for you to better understand what is being done and, even more poignantly, what needs to be done.

Having spent several years myself on higher education campuses, and even some time in the health centers, it became apparent to me that there was real hypocrisy taking place in these centers. Now, as the director of an abstinence program that has been researched and found to be highly effective and after reading the book, “Unprotected” by Anonymous, M.D., I am even more convinced that when it comes to dealing with health in regard to sexuality and sexual activity, there is not only hypocrisy and a double standard, but a very dangerous one, and our youth and young adults are paying a heavy price all in the name of “political correctness.” Before I continue let me clearly state that this is not directed at any individuals in any university health center, rather it is a blanket statement based on research, discussion and personal experience.

This price is being paid not only in their present health but also in relationships as well, both present and future ones. The evidence is clear and overwhelming that early and frequent sexual experience and activity outside of marriage is damaging in myriad ways including physical, mental, emotional, relational, and social (i.e., public health) costs and pain.

The politically correct response to this public health debacle in order to promote “free sex” on our university campuses has been devastating at best and criminal at worst in its outcomes. Consider the following questions and then tell me whether you agree or not:

Why do university health centers, along with university health education, constantly and consistently take to heart the stats and laws on smoking and its health-related consequences and then inform and educate their patients as to all the harms of smoking? Second-hand smoke? Smoke-outs? Smoke-free days, weeks, months? Smoke-free places on campus? Programs to help people quit smoking? Support groups that recognize the damage and help others quit? Places to avoid “smoke and smokers”? Aren’t we discriminating against all those who choose to smoke?

Why do university health centers, along with university health education, constantly and consistently take to heart the stats and laws on drinking, drinking and driving, underage drinking, etc.? Why do we even have laws that curtail and guide, or prohibit in the case of underage drinking? Why do they even teach… that drinking in excess is bad? Drinking and driving is against the law and bad for you? Binge drinking is harmful? Drinking in excess and/or under age promotes other harmful behaviors? Negative affect on inhibitions? Aren’t we discriminating once again against all those who choose to drink as they please?

The answer in both cases regarding discrimination is a resounding NO! We teach this because we have clearly seen the results of such activity and education and health is supposed to be all about what are the best and healthiest choices for us as individuals and then collectively as a society (i.e. public health).

So, let me ask a few more questions and see if you agree that there is something “funny” or “not so funny,” going on.

Why then do most, if not all, of these same university health centers across our country (bastions of education and ‘higher learning’) continue to neglect the same type of wisdom when it comes to an issue of much greater concern and destruction—that of risky sexual activity outside of marriage? Could it be that political correctness is more important than Truth, real education, and actual health? Why do they see students with an unintended pregnancy and most often suggest an abortion without discussing all the facts about the procedure and the aftermath, knowing that there are potential long-term physical, mental, emotional and relational consequences that should be weighed in order to make the best and healthiest decision?

Why, with a young patient that has one or several STIs/STDs, do they casually and repeatedly offer contraception and/or condoms, excusing and by default condoning the activities that cause the problems and knowing that it leaves the patient partially or fully exposed to even more physical damage and does absolutely nothing to protect their mental/emotional health? (Studies actually show that these risky activities have a very negative affect on mental/emotional health.) Why do they often see students suffering from depression, ‘cutting,’ suicidal thoughts (or dealing with a friend who has committed suicide), then diagnose as root or contributing causes a “friends with benefit” or “hookup” encounter or the breakup of a long-term sexual relationship (2 or 3 dates – pun intended as this constitutes “long-term” in this culture) and then completely dismiss the sexual activity as having any role whatsoever in the problems encountered?

Why are married students who come in with intended and planned pregnancies often counseled that an abortion might ‘free them up’ to continue along their educational and career goal paths? How traumatic is that for a desiring mother-to-be? Wise and healthy advice there!?!

There’s certainly no discrimination in these cases…simply a “free pass” given with little or no advice as to what might really help the student/patient, and even more, aid them in making the best and healthiest choices for their future!

What is really going on our campuses when political correctness and “free sex, contraceptive” sex education and ideology trumps the health and well-being of our young people and young adults? Whatever happened to true education and objectivity that gives and promotes the wisest and healthiest answers, encouraging those who rely on and trust in the “experts” to do what is best for them?

Perhaps there is another agenda, but I’ll leave that for another time.