The Fordham University Young Democratic Socialists of America Club (YDSA) held an event outside of Walsh Gate on Oct. 25 where they distributed Plan B and encouraged students to sign their petition.
The event began with 64 doses of Plan B given to the club through correspondence with the national YDSA organization and Planned Parenthood. Fordham YDSA members opened the table at 3 p.m. and ran out of Plan B at 3:27 p.m. Along with the distribution of Plan B, the table also had a fact sheet about how to use Plan B, a petition to allow for the distribution of contraception on Fordham’s campus and information about voting for New York residents. After all the Plan B was distributed, the event continued until 4 p.m. During this time, the YDSA club members continued speaking to students about their petition and handing out pamphlets.
Currently, Fordham’s contraceptive and birth control policy states, “While personal possession of contraceptives, contraceptive devices and/or birth control, in any form, is not prohibited, distribution is prohibited on Fordham University property, using University resources, and at University-sponsored events.” Since the Fordham YDSA club is not a recognized club by Fordham, they do not receive any funding from the university to go towards club events or resources.
Fordham YDSA Co-Chair Matthew Smith, FCRH ’27, stated that the main demands of the club are to “allow for the distribution of contraceptives on campus and provide more comprehensive sexual health.”
Fordham YDSA’s Instagram has a complete list of demands that include allowing for birth control to be prescribed through Fordham Health Services and providing students with condoms free of charge at the university health center. The petition that was available to sign at the event further explains the demands, stating, “Currently, orientation [New Student Orientation] primarily focuses on consent… It does not adequately address safe sex practices or inform students about the available resources for sexual health.” The petition continues to discuss the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, the university’s responsibility and the demands listed on Instagram. The petition is planned to be shared with Fordham administration in the following weeks.
After being asked about their thoughts on Fordham’s contraceptive policy, Carolina, FCRH ’28, who asked to be referred to only by her first name, stated that she thinks Fordham “should have contraceptives available, especially on a college campus.” Carolina explained that she heard about the event through her friend, who was a member of the YDSA club.
At 2:50 p.m., before the start of the event, Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers talked with YDSA club members working the table. He continued to sit near Walsh Hall until around 3:15 p.m. The Fordham YDSA members explained that Rodgers said they could keep their table since they were located off campus.
At 3:30 p.m., Walsh Hall’s Residential Director (RD) Chanique Peart came up to the table and explained that she was sent to shut down the event. The RD said that she was told that the club event was located off campus and that they were not allowed to hold this event. Smith explained that Rodgers had allowed the event to continue, and the RD confirmed this and left. Later, a Public Safety officer approached the table and left after determining that the event was allowed to continue since it wasn’t on Fordham’s campus.
Smith explained that the club plans to “keep doing Plan B and condom distribution events” and have the tables located outside of Walsh Gate and off campus. Fordham YDSA members said they would continue through the process of becoming a recognized club by the university as well.
Bruce D. Campbell • Nov 3, 2024 at 5:36 pm
I applaud the group for their efforts, but it is extremely unlikely that a Catholic University will agree to distribute contraceptive drugs or devices, in light of Church teachings. I would encourage them to continue their distributions outside University property.