Story perspectives

Universities Fund Controversial Sexual Health Programs with Tuition

10/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. universities are using student tuition to fund sexual health programs such as sex toy bingo and pleasure packs.
Critics say these programs normalize hookup culture, which may affect mental health.
The University of Utah's Safe(r) Sex program costs $12,908 and offers free pleasure packs.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sex Out Loud received $136,000 in funding.

History

Historical Context

The passage of Title IX in 1972 marked a significant shift towards gender equality in education, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded programs. This legislation led to increased funding for sexual health initiatives, such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison's $136,000 investment in its Sex Out Loud program. Today, debates continue over the implications of such funding on student mental health and the normalization of hookup culture.

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Story summary

U.S. universities are using student tuition to fund sexual health programs such as sex toy bingo and pleasure packs.
Critics say these programs normalize hookup culture, which may affect mental health.
The University of Utah's Safe(r) Sex program costs $12,908 and offers free pleasure packs.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sex Out Loud received $136,000 in funding.

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