Students attending Thursday’s DUPB movie screening will get all the perks of the real Saturday matinee: stadium seating, popcorn and…a condom.

That’s right, the DU HIV/AIDS Awareness Committee and DU National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) have teamed up to distribute flyers and free condoms at the Thursday night movies.

“DU NARAL and the HIV/AIDS Awareness Committee are handing out condoms because we feel that students should have easy, efficient and full access to health resources,” said Jessica Sanchez, president of DU NARAL. “We feel that being educated about sexual health and taking responsibility for personal decisions will ultimately prevent sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancies.”

The DUPB movie is usually attended by 200 to 400 students. The large crowd and the weekly screenings of the event provide a useful time slot for the condom initiative.

Funding for the project comes from a variety of local sources, according to DU HIV/AIDS Awareness Committee President Abbey Vannoy.

“Unfortunately, our funding from Senate was very poor this year, but we have made contacts with Colorado AIDS Project, NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, and the Fascinations Corporation to receive free condoms,” she said. “All three entities were excited about our project and have been very supportive.”

The condom distribution began two weeks ago. The project has been termed a success so far, according to Vannoy. However, not everyone is completely thrilled with the handing out of condoms at a public event.

Dave Koates, student leader of Campus Crusade for Christ said, “I’m not going to tell them how to do things, but I am opposed to handing out condoms. The best prevention is always abstinence.”

Koates was quick to add that he admires and supports the HIV/AIDS Awareness Committee and hopes that others will too. However, some negative reactions the program were to be expected, according to Sanchez.

One expected criticism is that handing out condoms promotes sex.

“Abstinence-only education works for some people, and that’s great-but not all people live the same life,” Sanchez said. “Therefore, we need to connect with people who are in all situations, provide them with all options, and do our best to educate them about the situation.”

Regardless, if you want one, you can go out for a condom and a movie this Thursday night.