More than 75 signatures were gathered for a petition to reform sex education in Utah8212;an action taken by Students for Choice as part of its sex education week on campus.
“Not learning about it doesn’t make it go away,” said Lindsy Jorgensen, a professor of health promotion and education.
Jorgensen said people need to form their own opinions about sex, and students in her class typically walk away more aware and comfortable talking about sex.
Group members spent the week lobbying for sex education reform and providing information about safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases and related topics, such as healthy relationships.
“College campuses are an important place for activism of all sorts,” said Joseph Richards, spokesman for Voices for Planned Parenthood.
The petition is part of a campaign called Prevention Now, which calls on the Utah State Legislature to reform sex education to help prevent STDs and counter unwanted pregnancies.
Richards said the student group wants students to take a look at the facts and resources available to them.
According to the Utah Department of Health, 5,092 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2006. Compared to other western states, Utah has the highest rate of gonorrhea.
The group plans activities and educational forums throughout the year where students can learn about various topics related to fertility, sex and reproductive rights.
Seth Mecham, a senior sociology major, didn’t sign the petition but said sex education needs to be reformed. He said students should be able to consider all possibilities.
Sex education week was a coordinated event with universities across Utah participating. Westminster College, Utah Valley University and Southern Utah University held sex education week on their campuses as well.