Albertson’s is a grocery store chain in Utah and surrounding areas. I just received this notice from the Utah Planned Parenthood Network:
Albertsons Pulls Seventeen Magazine off the Shelf
Albertsons which includes ACME, Jewel-Osco, Osco Drug, Savon and Shaws, has removed the Seventeen magazine from their stores’ shelves. Albertsons sites objections to “Vagina 101,” an article that provides health information targeted at Seventeen’s young readership. Clearly, this is a case of censorship. A throwback to the days of banning books in public schools and “Footloose” style book burnings. If you shop at Albertsons, next time your there please ask the manager if he or she took Seventeen off the shelf. Tell them that you are disappointed in their choice. October’s issue answers critical questions that teens are afraid to ask, and clears up many false rumors. Let us know what you find out. We wanted to make the next step a little easier for you, but Albertsons wasn’t willing to give us their corporate office email address. So, please download and sign the letter [see letter below] attached below and send it to Albertsons CEO, Lawrence Johnston. The office address is at the top of the letter. Don’t forget to tell two friends.
Paste this into a word document, sign print and send:
October 3, 2005
Lawrence R. Johnston
Chairman, President, & CEO
Albertson’s, Inc.
250 E. Park Center Blvd.
Boise, ID 83706
Dear Albertson’s
I am disappointed in your decision to pull Seventeen Magazine from your shelves for the month of October. It is appalling that a trusted company, such as Albertson’s would take such a clear stance against teen sexual education. You have said that the magazine was pulled due to your objections to the article titled “Vagina 101.” This article provides basic health information to a young readership that has many questions regarding sex and sexuality.
Your censorship is astounding. Your decision to remove the article is a misguided attempt to protect teens from information they need to stay healthy and informed. “Vagina 101” answers critical questions that teens are afraid to ask. It clears up misunderstanding and rumors, providing accurate information that teens need. Your shelves are still filled with magazines such as Cosmo, Vouge, US, People, InStyle, etc. all of which offer information about sex, none of which address questions or misunderstandings about sex. So, Mr. Johnston, what is the difference between magazines that have sexy images and articles about sexual promiscuity, and a magazine that attempts to inform a readership that is rarely addressed and often misinformed about sex?
Allowing teen access to medically accurate information about sexuality helps lower teen pregnancy and abortion rates. It, further, reduces the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Your choice to remove the magazine will handicap teens from making informed choices and protecting themselves. I hope that you do not take similar actions in the future.
Sincerely,
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 