OXFORD, Ohio — Miami University apologized on social media Wednesday for an email promoting a safe sex program on campus.
University officials said in a statement that the email used “language that was overly provocative” and did not reflect the program’s educational intent.
The email was sent out on Sunday by the university’s community manager of the Office of Residence Life. The email encouraged recipients to attend an event in Emerson Hall's basement, stating there was “spooky sex” happening. The email said there was free pizza, contraceptives, and the chance to win free sex toys.
The university said the email wasn't referring to a sex party, but an event for a safe sex program on campus.
"The program aims to educate students about safer sex practices, including consent and understanding the risks of unprotected sex,” the university stated in its apology.
Miami University student Rachel Gora lives in Emerson Hall and received the email on Sunday.
"I remember looking at it and it just kind of caught me off guard," Gora said. "I was like, 'Oh, well that's kind of weird.'"
Fellow Emerson Hall resident Cooper Tirola said many students were in attendance.
"I think it was the most crowded event so far," he said.
Noah Holland also lives in Emerson Hall and said he went to the event.
"They were giving out condoms. They had like sex toys and stuff," Holland said. "They played like sex trivia where they like asked people questions and that's how you won. My friend actually won one."
Some students said they thought it was funny, while others felt it was a little uncomfortable.
"It was just like a little weird," Holland said. "I didn't think it was some big deal or something, but it was just like odd in my eyes."
— Miami University (@miamiuniversity) November 1, 2023
The university's statement said the Office of Residence Life is working to ensure staff creates more professional and clear emails in the future.
"I think that clearly the intent was for it to be educational but it just didn't quite pan out," Tirola said.
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