Statement Opposing Decision of
Holyoke School Committee to Authorize Condom Distribution in the Holyoke Public Schools
Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, Bishop of the Diocese of
Springfield, MA, Oct. 21, 2004
I am
profoundly disappointed and disturbed by the Holyoke School Committee’s recent
decision to distribute condoms to students in grades 6th through 12th.
This decision
is, in effect, a millstone around the necks of parents.
The school now, even if unwittingly, becomes an endorser and an enabler of
early adolescent sex.
Current
public policy decisions, like this, may come disguised in noble goals and objectives, but
they are in fact, just a continuation of the problem our society faces regarding human
sexuality.
Everywhere we
turn, human sexuality has been reduced to a level of meaningless self-gratification. Allowing for such open distribution of condoms to
minors represents a clear sanctioning of this downward spiral in behavior.
The decision
undermines the family unit. Parents, within the context of their own values and culture,
have the legitimate right to educate and inform their children in the delicate area of
human sexuality. Parents, not the schools or
government, should serve as a child’s primary guardian and teacher in moral matters.
There is no respect shown for parents, by an “opt out” provision. Rather there
should be an “opt-in” provision if parents wish their children to be exposed to
such information and services. The Massachusetts Catholic Conference has advocated for a
change in this approach in the past, only to see our effort to give parents a voice in the
process rejected by the legislature.
I support
those who stand in opposition to this recent decision and I strongly urge Holyoke
officials to re-consider their actions. I encourage parents to re-assert themselves as
their children’s primary teachers and learn more about these efforts to minimize
their control over their children.
Rather than
tacitly condoning illicit behavior, our community’s leaders should be setting a
stronger example, returning human sexuality to its place of special importance and sacred
honor.
Massachusetts
Catholic Conference, http://www.macathconf.org