New York Times Magazine Cover Credit: Lula Hyers for NYT
New York Times Magazine Cover
Credit: Lula Hyers for NYT

This past October, New York Magazine published an article about relationships in college. The article, “Heirs to the Sexual Revolution,” is about the casual hookup culture among college students across the nation. The article included short profiles of college students discussing their relationships. Wondering whether Hewitt students felt prepared for this reality, I asked students about the topics they have and have not covered or hope to cover in sex-ed classes at school.

“I have learned about the various forms of contraception,” says Lucy H. Though, she continues to say, “We are yet to discuss emotional aspects of relationships, and it is important because the liberalness of our generation affects these relationships.”

Some students believe Hewitt’s sex-ed program has prepared them well for the culture in college. Vanessa H. comments that, “Hewitt has definitely taught our students the basics of sex, and I think that as we grow older in Hewitt we will be exposed to more as we move on.”

For students who believe there are missing conversations in their sexual education program, they offer up some suggestions.

“In my class, we have not had an open dialogue about the casual sexual culture, and I believe that is fundamental in preparing us for relationships in college,” says Lucy.

“I’m very grateful for the things that Hewitt has taught me in regards to sex,” articulates Amie S.; however, she also feels that, “We have yet to talk about the stigmas and double standards of sex, especially against women. In order to get rid of them, we need to create more casual conversations around sex, rather than treating it like a dirty word. I also want my sexual education to be less heteronormative; I want a class about gender and gender expression as well, and the fluidity of sexuality.”
After talking to Hewitt girls, I learned that students have different opinions about what Hewitt’s sex-ed looks like and what topics they hope to talk about. The New York Magazine article inspired a conversation about having an open dialogue about the sexual education program at school.

 

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