Call us crazy, but we think a new Philadelphia high school program may create a bit of controversy.
According to ABC News, the city - in response to a new report that cites five percent of its high schoolers have tested positive for STDs - is install ing condom dispensers in the 22 schools with the highest rates of these diseases.
"We believe distributing condoms is part of our obligation to keep students healthy and to remain healthy," said school district spokesman Fernando Gallard. "The health department has described this as a continued epidemic of STDs among teenagers in Philadelphia."
Approximately 130,000 high school students in the Philadelphia area have been tested over the past five years, with 6,500 of those coming out positives for STDs that include HIV.
As a result, when students return from Christmas break, they will be greeted by machines in the nurse's office that provide free protection.
The condoms will be available to all, unless parents sign an "opt out" form.
HOWEVER, the schools do not plan on actually enforcing these forms.
"Opt-out letters are to be maintained by the school office," Assistant Superintendent Dennis W. Creedon wrote. "Students are to honor the wishes of their parents. If a student disrespects their guardian's directive, that is an issue of the home."
Overall, according to nonprofit organization Advocates for Youth, at least 418 schools across the country supply condoms to their students.
How do you feel about this practice?
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