The College Fix

Marquette University, a Catholic university in Milwaukee, Wis., has put out the welcome mat this semester for the controversial weekly student workshop FemSex that aims to teach “what it means to take ownership of one’s own sexuality, body, pleasure, language, and education,” reports the Marquette Tribune.

FemSex discussion groups can be found at many big name universities, including UC Berkeley, Brown and Columbia. According to a description of FemSex discussions on the Cornell University website, talks can delve into: “anatomy and physiology, cultural influences on sexuality, body image, STIs and safer sex, reproductive choices, solo sex, partner sex and relationships, gender identity, orgasms and inhibitors to orgasms, pornography, kink sex practices, BDSM, and more.”

The Marquette Tribune reports that:

FemSex raised controversy last winter after some Marquette donors, faculty and alumni asked University President the Rev. Scott Pilarz why it was allowed on campus, wondering if the workshop’s content was appropriate for a Catholic and Jesuit university. … (The program’s creators) said they believe FemSex is not at odds with Catholic views.

“FemSex does not push any ideology, teach or impart any prescribed concepts, generalize experiences, make prescriptions, or advocate a particular philosophy or morality,” (they) said in a joint statement. “FemSex grapples with issues core to our humanity that are too often shamed, silenced, and ignored, often to the detriment of individuals and communities.” …

Despite its rough history at Marquette, (one co-creator) said she still sees FemSex as beneficial to students.

“FemSex empowers (participants) to understand, respect, and appreciate their own sexuality, and use it in just and healthy ways,” she said. “The venue it creates helps foster a more inclusive, respectful and intellectually curious environment on campus.”

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