Condom talks not publicized

Two unpublicized meetings happened about the proposed initiative to bring condoms to the residence halls about three weeks ago, Residence Hall Association President Justin Ginter said.

Ginter was not able to attend the meetings, but he said the Interim Chief Diversity Officer Roger Worthington moderated both.

Ginter said the meetings were held to get a “cross-section” of people, especially because the people at the first public meeting were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposal.

Worthington was unavailable for comment.

The initiative, originally sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, proposed providing free condoms and sexual health information in restrooms and common areas of residence halls.

Deaton halted the plan in mid-October, with the reasoning that he wanted more discussion about the plan.

Deaton has declined to state what the next step will be after holding one public forum.

In addition, a forum to discus the plan was held for student staff members of the residence halls at 5 p.m. on Monday.

“(Residential Life Director Frankie Minor) wanted to make sure their voices were heard,” Ginter said.

RHA is compiling letters from several organizations in support of the proposal.

Ginter said RHA would present Deaton with the letters in late January or early February, unless he has rescinded his decision.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs conducted the first meeting, but was unavailable for comment.

Representatives from RHA, the Missouri Students Association, the Legion of Black Collegians and Sexual Health Advocacy Peer Education also spoke at the first meeting, which was held in early November.