Wesleyan student groups have a history of advocating for sexual health causes in the form of viral YouTube spots, so here’s the latest and greatest: “Wesleyan Is Serious About Sex,” a video by Susanna Banks ’13 and Taylor Morales ’13 to aid ASHA’s campaign for free STI testing at Wesleyan. The video involves PG-13 depictions of heavy petting in the Olin stacks (nice panning shots!) and liberal usage of Tommy James’ “I Think We’re Alone Now,” so keep it away from your grandma.
Its purpose? To spread a Google Doc petition lobbying the University to “provide free testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections at Davison Health Center.” As Banks explains it,
Wesleyan students are serious about sex. Let’s be serious about our sexual health, and DEMAND FREE STI TESTING! Currently getting tested for sexually transmitted infections at Davison Health Center can cost up to $100, creating a financial barrier for many students. Williams, Bowdin, and Colby offer free testing to their students—why don’t we?
Please watch our video and fill out the google form explaining to the University why you think it is important to have free testing. And of course, don’t forget to GYT—get yourself tested!
What say you? Should the university be expected to provide free STI testing for students?
ASHA has, in the past, provided the service at Green Street Arts Center and Eclectic. This year, there is no such option. For some figures, pricing for individual STI tests at Davison varies heavily—from no charge for public lice, scabies, and HPV (genital warts) tests to $150 for a Herpes blood test. Click past the jump for a full chart via Davison’s website.
