Countywide : Board Rejects AIDS Policy Revisions

The Ventura County Community College District board has rejected a broad revision of its AIDS education policies because students, faculty and local residents were not able to voice their opinions during the drafting of the proposal.

The revision was written by John Tallman, vice chancellor of instruction, and the district’s wellness committee, made up of district employees and nurses from the campus health centers at Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges.

On Tuesday, board members heard emotional speeches from students, faculty and activists on the issues of condom distribution and AIDS education.

“We cannot educate our students enough about AIDS,” said John Baker, a Moorpark College instructor.

“We’re not trying to condone sexual behavior. Abstinence is the best method.”

Board members are divided on condom distribution and AIDS education, but are willing to have a committee made up of students, faculty, staff and local residents draft a policy to be considered later.

The revised policy would have made AIDS education mandatory for students and endorsed condom distribution at the three campuses.

In 1988, the district adopted its current policy on AIDS, which allows for condom machines at the three campuses.

Moorpark and Oxnard colleges have condom dispensers in their restrooms, but Ventura College does not.

Students at Moorpark and Ventura colleges can also purchase condoms at the student stores and student health centers.