The program began with five-minute statements from the professors about their views on the risks of sexual activity in the context of the HIV epidemic. Bailey, an associate professor of psychology, said incidences of HIV in the United States were largely confined to specific demographic groups. Instead of spending your time tossing and turning about HIV because of some hook-up, you should be at the door of your gay friends, begging them to be careful. Bailey said students should worry more about other sexually transmitted diseases, including human papilloma virus, herpes and chlamydia. But Fenrich, a senior lecturer in the history department, said HIV is not confined to demographic groups such as gay men or intravenous drug users.
Risk is a function of behavior and nothing else.
He also said people often don't know if their partners belong to at-risk groups. Stewart also said NU's low level of HIV-infected students could rise. Following the panelists' statements, audience members questioned and argued with the panelists for more than an hour. One issue addressed by the panelists was the effectiveness of using condoms to prevent HIV transmission. He said he advocated the use of condoms to prevent more prevalent STDs.