By: Mayah Cantave 

Recently, it was discovered that Clemson University sent students an email requesting students take an hour-long “anonymous” online course, which asked students invasive questions about students’ drug and alcohol habits and sexual history.

Clemson students are required to take the course. If they do not, students may face disciplinary action.

Some of the questions the course asked included: How many different people have you had sex with (including oral) in the last three months? Have you had unwanted sex while drunk or using drug? Which of these are sexually coercive?

These questions go as far as asking students if they have been involved in an abusive relationship or know someone who has been involved in one.

Clemson believes that this online course is something that students and faculty should enjoy. What is enjoyable about divulging personal information?

The purpose of this mandatory course is unclear. According to Clemson, the purpose of student’s sexual history is to promote sexual health and safety as a part of its Title IX training. As vague as this course is, it is not clear how Clemson expects students to be okay with revealing their personal lives.

The “anonymous” part of this course is sketchy. According to CampusReform.org, students have to log into the course with their student ID, full name, email and housing information. They are then taken to a third party site.

There is no logical reason for a university to obtain that level of personal information. This course is way too invasive.

How is knowing how often students have sex (including oral) relevant to the university?

Luckily, students and faculty recently received another email discussing the suspension of the online course until some of the questions have been reviewed and revised.

Hopefully, the new set of questions won’t be as ridiculous as the first set.