Bettering Sexual Health or Mangling Morals: Debates Over Sexual Health Education on Campus

A flyer for the Clothesline Project in March

By Jillian Cready and Sophie Dwyer

On March 21, approximately 200 t-shirts were hung across the Coates Espionage. Each shirt carried a survivor’s story of sexual assault. These shirts were for the Clothesline Project, an event held by The Coalition for Sexual Justice, a Trinity student organization.

The event stirred quite some controversy on campus. Supporters lauded the opportunity of giving voice to the survivors and getting people’s attention to the problem of sexual assault on campus. Opponents, particularly Greek organizations and athletic teams, opposed the allegations of their members involving in some of these assault cases. One student was surprised the school allowed such a public, outspoken event about assault and abuse.

The Clothesline Project was but one of the latest sexual health initiatives at Trinity, and the controversy surrounding it testifies the contentious nature of sexual health education. As Trinity University progresses their attempts to address the issue of sexual health through various programs in recent years, it is debatable whether the public awareness of these efforts has also progressed, or whether these efforts have served to create an uncomfortable space for students.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg Leads Fitness Council Meeting

Mayor Ron Nirenberg addresses the Fitness Council on Thursday
(photo by Sophie Dwyer)

By Sophie Dwyer

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg attended the Fitness Council meeting on Thursday in Trinity University’s William H. Bell Center.

He met with around 40 representatives from various foundations, fitness organizations, and companies, as well as dieticians, wellness coordinators, health app creators, and disability advocates. The discussion centered on ways of improving wellness services in the city, including physical activity, nutrition, and mental health.

“We should be talking policy-healthy policy,” Nirenberg said at the meeting. Attendees talked about various wellness initiatives such as introducing workplace recess, policies on purchasing healthy foods for employees, and making outdoor spaces safer so people feel more comfortable being active.

Health and Fitness Day Brings a More Holistic Approach to Wellness

Dr. Claudia Kypuros from TU Counseling Services (right)

and Melissa Woodul, sophomore Russian major (left),

with Leeroy at the Fitness Day. (Photo by Abby Holland) 

By Abby Holland

Mental health and physical well-being go hand in hand and are equally important. That was a key message of this year's Health and Fitness Day, held on Wednesday.

This event has been a part of Trinity’s campus for nearly 20 years. The theme for this year was “How do you Rec?” While in the past the event primarily focused on physical well-being, this was the first year the event included additional aspects on the wellness spectrum.

The Fiesta Room transformed into an active, health hub, filled with vendors from Trinity clubs and organizations, as well as local organizations. Among them were San Antonio Eating Recovery Center, San Antonio Walks, and Trinity University Counseling Services.

Stressed and Sleep Deprived, Trinity Students Need Some Help, and the University Tries to Provide It

By Bret Smith

The finals of spring 2018 ended just a week ago, and students can leave behind all the stresses and anxieties, for now. While the finals are over, health issues are not.

Surveys done by Trinity University have shown that physical health issues involving tobacco and alcohol use, as well as mental problems like sleep deficit, anxiety, stress, and depression, are among the health issues facing Trinity University students.

Sleep difficulties and stress in particular have become major mental health problems on campus and they tend to go hand in hand. Trinity students have to juggle a heavy study load from professors, high expectations from their parents, their self-imposed expectations to succeed, and their social life.

Katherine Hewitt: Spreading Passion for Wellness

Katherine Hewitt at the Easting Disorder Awareness Week
earlier this month.
Photo by Andrea Acevedo and Elizabeth McEnrue

By Taylor Moser

Katherine Hewitt, the Trinity University Coordinator of Wellness, makes strides every day to make campus a healthier and more beautiful place for students and faculty alike.

Hewitt says she has always had a passion for working in public health. Before coming to Trinity, she worked as a Health and Wellness Coordinator in upstate New York. She found her way to Trinity on a mission to spread her passion for wellness and enlighten students of the significance of being healthy.

Hewitt is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and uses her education to aid her in creating a greater community of wellness on campus. On a daily basis, Hewitt not only teaches but lives by what she calls the “four pillars of wellness”-- nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and no substance abuse. She considers them “a few key areas you can be successful in taking care of your wellness."