The Stevens Torch Alliance intended to hold free rapid STI testing on October 31 in partnership with Hudson Pride, but the event was cancelled due to the lack of necessary legal precautions. The cancellation and administration’s response frustrated students who were working to bring these tests to campus.
“Although I understand the need to have legal precautions taken, I did not like the way that Stevens handled the situation personally,” said Adrian Castellanos, sophomore SGA Senator and Secretary of Torch. As Secretary, Castellanos was personally involved in bringing STI testing to campus. “Stevens needs to have this at this point. I’m very tired of being told to use resources in Hoboken if I pay to go to Stevens,” added Castellanos.
“If there are proper channels to go about this, that’s fine but I think it should be more well known to student leaders what Stevens needs,” said Julia Martin, President of Torch. “I was informed that a contract could take months to be made, which I think is a shame because these free services should be more accessible to students.”
According to Sara Klein, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, “Student organizations cannot bring medical providers to campus without approval.” As a result, the event was cancelled. “Stevens must ensure that those contracted to provide this service meet specific requirements to ensure accuracy, safety, and follow-up care,” said Klein.
Despite their disappointment with the outcome, Castellanos is still hopeful that STI testing will happen on campus. Stevens administration contacted Torch “to get contact info for Hudson Pride to begin to establish a relationship which was great and I did appreciate.” In the meantime, Torch is planning a field trip to visit Hoboken Family Planning, circumventing Stevens’ restrictions by hosting the event off-campus.
Jason Chlus, SGA President, stated, “I have been told that STI testing is wanted by everyone (students and admin) on campus.” Both Chlus and Klein stated that Stevens has been unable to find an organization that will meet Stevens’ legal requirements and accept liability for these tests, but that Stevens is still searching for such an organization. “When this org or hospital is found then we theoretically should be able to have it on campus,” according to Chlus.
Until then, Stevens is urging students to instead have STI testing done in one of the “many medical facilities close to campus in Hoboken” and to visit Student Health Services in the Pond House for a referral.
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