Campus Reform: Northwestern University

Disgusted by the vulgarity of The Vagina Monologues?  Offended by the obscene lectures and events at Yale Sex Week?  Well, Northwestern University took the sexually explicit in higher education to a new level.

Northwestern's "Human Sexuality" course - and its professor, John Michael Bailey - are no strangers to controversy.  The 600-student class has been criticized in the past for hosting Q & A segments with "swingers" and convicted sex offenders.  In 2003, Dr. Bailey gained widespread attention when he argued that homosexuality is hereditary in his book, The Man Who Would Be Queen. 

Bailey and his course are back in the spotlight - this time, for hosting a demonstration involving a nude woman committing sexual acts in front of the class.

The event, which took place on February 21, was sponsored by the university's College of Arts and Sciences.  Although it was not mandatory for the course, approximately 120 students were in attendance.

One of those students was Northwestern junior Ellen Kourakos, who described the demonstration as, "a little more explicit than expected."

University administrators, however, defend the presentation and its educational merits.  The event, "falls within the broad range of academic freedoms - whether one approves or disapproves," said Dean of Students Burgwell Howard.

Dr. Bailey responded to criticisms by telling the class, "sticks and stones may break your bones, but watching naked people on stage doing pleasurable things will never hurt you."

The presentation was offensive and, at best, lacked true educational value.  More unfortunately, student tuition covered the costs for the event as an academic program.  The growing trend of over-sexualization in the curricula and programs of our nation's colleges only leads us to believe that this is just the beginning.

Does your campus promote "sexual diversity" through obscene courses, "Sex Week" events, and vulgar sex-related programs?  Contact your Regional Field Coordinator and tell us your story.