WI School District: Hot Sex Ed Topics Require Parents to Pick
- Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:33am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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It’s become a variation on the comical adage, “You can choose any color you want as long as it’s black.”
In Wisconsin, parents can pull their kids out of sex education. While that sounds fair, opting out comes with a de facto penalty since it’s an all or nothing choice: by opting out, kids lose some of the important aspects of the education. One school board in a Milwaukee suburb tried to fix that by giving parents more choice. But that has some Wisconsin officials screaming foul.
Historically the “opt-out” option has handcuffed many parents, leaving them with the illusion of choice instead of the full benefits of one. That’s especially true considering the default places students in the sex ed class, and parents must go out of their way in order to bypass the class. The opt-out was part of a Wisconsin sex ed bill that mandates lessons on intercourse, contraception, abortion, homosexuality, and masturbation.
But school board officials in Cedarburg, WI felt that not all parents would be comfortable with the new requirements. So instead of defy the state, they simply offered parents more choice: instead of making parents go out of their way to pull students out of the ninth grade sex ed class, parents would have to go out of their way to put students in it, and those who did could “opt-in” for only the non-controversial subjects.
As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom McIlheran explains, the difference is in the default:
Previously, if you decided that maybe you didn’t quite trust the government to instruct your kid on all this — and, golly, after three decades of school-run sex ed and a 40% national illegitimacy rate, what’s there to worry about, huh? — then you’d have to opt out. You‘d have to affirmatively tell the school you didn’t want it explaining the, um, ins and outs.
Now, Cedarburg’s school board says, the schools will still offer all the lessons — but if you want your ninth-grader to get the part about condoms and intercourse and all, you’ll have to opt in. You have to say yes.
Simply put, parents have until November 1 to return a signed permission form saying they have opted in. If it is not returned or not signed, the district assumes the parents have opted out.
(Read the school board’s letter to parents.)
“We want parents to be aware of what is being taught,” Cedarburg school board member Rick Leach told the Journal Sentinel. “We wanted to engage parents in their children’s education.”
According to board President Kevin Kennedy, the former policy meant parents had to opt out of everything, including topics that aren’t as controversial.
“There‘s a ton of things in these courses that are covered that aren’t controversial,” Kennedy told the paper. “Whether or not you buy into the sensitive topics, there’s still a lot of great information you want your kids to know about it.”
But that thinking is upsetting to some officials, including one Wisconsin lawmaker.
“The intent of the bill, which is a bill I have been working on since I’ve been elected, was to make sure that any school district that taught human growth and development included a curriculum that was comprehensive,” state Rep. Tamara Grigsby, one of the bill’s co-authors, told the Journal Sentinel.
Physician Dan Hagerman, a parent of a Cedarburg ninth-grader, said the new policy will unfairly affect hectic families. “The kids with families who are more chaotic and don’t turn in this form are the ones who probably need it,” Hagerman said.
McIlheran disagrees with both Grigsby and Hagerman. “Grigsby‘s law isn’t asking whether some stranger can teach your kid what‘s right and what’s wrong,” he wrote. “It’s telling.”
The choice parents were given in the past, he adds, was never meant to be one:
The reactions to the simple change in Cedarburg suggests that opting out was never really meant to be an option. Sure, you could, but you weren’t supposed to.
The Cedarburg school district is going forward with its plan: parents can choose more than just the color black — for now.
This story has been updated for clarity.
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Comments (108)
Alvin691
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:33pmPersonally, I prefer the opt-in principal. There is too much Cass Sunstein opt-out running around anyway.
Report Post »momeof3qts
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:30pmParenting requires discomfort and broaching the topic of sex, sexuality,etc. can be uncomfortable for all parties. I agree with Bauervision and that has been my approach, if they ask, I answer. Parents are the primary source, schools, churches, etc should be supplementing in this arena. Our local school district uses Choosing the Best curriculum. This is an abstinence-focused education, research based, medical learning model. They stress the importance of parental involvement, refusal-skill coaching character education etc. The teen pregnancy rate has dropped, and if a parent isn’t going to do this the right way, this curriculum sure fills in the gap.
Report Post »warner
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:25pmIt was 1976 and I was sitting in my health class (all boys) being taught by our gym teacher. We opened our books and were taught for 9 weeks the biology of male and female reproduction. It was biology and was kept out of the art of sexuality. We talked about VD, birth control and you know that was enough. I didn’t have to have a class giving illustrations of sexual positions or how often one should pleasure themselves. This is where the ball has been dropped (no pun intended for you sickos) we are turning into Ancient Rome. Instead of educating we are entertaining… we need to get back to the basics in the country…big time!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:52pmYeah – no kidding- our kids are failing – can’t read, write or do math but the schools make sure they know all about sex and then more – much more – wow, that is the key to success – success to the life of no morals or decency. Another sad state of affairs. Get rid of the Dept of Education
Report Post »WeTheHomers
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 3:44pmAgreed. I experienced the same thing. Some things are better learned as an adult anyway. Don’t teach this crap in schools, it will make it sound okay and normal. If someone wants to be a homosexual, then fine, but according to nature: this is an alternative lifestyle, not the norm. This is the USA: we tolerate others behaivor, we don’t have to like it.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:23pmcoming up next, a sex ed tape showing the obamas in all aspects of sexual behavior, obama wants to have his celebrity status and to indoctrinate AMERICAN children into Godless deviance – — -at all costs.
Report Post »jamesctheman
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:04pmThis is probably the most common sensical thing I’ve seen in a long time. Why is the lawmaker crying foul. Aren’t the democrats supposed to be the party of choice? She should be running to the capital to add this amendment into the bill she that passed. Real choice instead is exactly what the people are looking for nowadays. Then you have the whiners who say people have households that are too hectic & those are the kids who usually need the class. Here’s a novel idea. The parents need to work to get their house in order & get involved in the kids lives. Just because you put food on the table doesn’t mean your job as a parent ends. If parents were that involved in the kids lives we probably don’t need this kind of class at all.
Report Post »Providence
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:45amWow, some of you don’t get freedom at all! “I think, I believe, I want…..” since when do YOU determine what someone else’s children need to know? Parents are responsible for their children – in ALL aspects. Just because you may disagree with what or how they teach their kids doesn’t make them wrong (for religious reasons or not). Maybe if the state-run schools stopped trying to be everyone’s parents, the real parents might have to step up and actually take some responsibility. And those that don’t will face the consequences of their irresponsibility.
If YOU want FREEDOM, you need to understand that people that you disagree with or do things differently will also be FREE – free to raise their children how they want to. Have we learned anything???
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:04pmgreat post!
Report Post »showourstrength
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 3:18pmThis is what is at the heart of the issue, my friend, and most continue to miss it. The government has been allowed to grow into a be all answer for everything from parenting to employment to home provider. This is flat out wrong! The constitution flat out and in detail describes what the feds can do, but most importantly prevents interference BY the federal gov. from anything not specifically cited therein.
Report Post »Slevdog1
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:25amWhen it comes down to it, it is not the school’s responsibility regarding sex, that is the parent’s job. The parent should introduce “the birds and the bees”. However, in health class (which should be mandatory in all schools), it is appropriate to discuss the complications that sex may cause (such as STD’s). The process and acts of sex should be left out of the curriculum.
Report Post »Amerigo Vespucci
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:17amThis school district has it right. By offering an Opt In and Opt Out option, they are covering their bases and giving parents a choice. Well done.
Report Post »Contrarianthinker
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:05amMy tax dollars being spent for sex education and then I have to help support the 40% of out of marriage births? If “parents” want the schools to teach sex, then let them pay an eztra fee for that instead of FORCING me to fund it. Sex education is a parents duty/responsibilty. I should at least be able to get back my tax dollars for sex 3education as it goes against my religious beliefs to leave it to strangers.
Report Post »Mr.Nick
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:53amI think sex ed is a waste of time and resources.
Kids these days dont need to be taught what an STD is and how they get them. Furthermore, sex ed has absolutely NOTHING to do with the teachings of sexual education and everything to do with liberals demoralizing children and swaying them to think “outside of the box” and reject traditional conservative culture.
But yeah, cant say I’m shocked that most people dont get that^^^
Report Post »missmarie
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:50amDeja vu. When sex education classes were introduced, they were taught by parent permission only – not opt out, but opt in. Somewhere along the line, it was determined parents shouldn’t be making that decision and thus, the opt out only phase began. This is yet another well-intended program that has evolved into a massive – the government knows best and we need tons of money to tell you so program.
It is the parents responsibility to instruct their children on appropriate and successful personal relations, physical and emotional changes as their body matures, and sexual matters. Working with their doctors, they can address any of the social illnesses and prevention methods as they deem appropriate for their child. For those that are unable to perform these basic parental functions, there are all sorts of resources available.
Report Post »joetrain
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:49amI opted out of the sex ed class in high school, trust me I didn’t miss much. Just some liberal airhead showing everyone how to put a condom on a bannana. There was no practical application of her class and the students who did take it thought it was boring. If you are going to be a “loose” teenager then no amount of lecturing from a self righteous commie is going to change your mind. Don’t agree. Just compare the pregnancy/STD rate from before sex ed began and now. A little telling, don’t you think. Like most liberal ideas it looks good on paper and in the classroom, but has little to no positve effect on people.
Report Post »AU Patriot
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:36amI thought we send our kids to school learn to read, write, ect. Should it not be the parents‘ responsibility to teach their kids about life’s lessons?
Once again we are giving the government control over our kids.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:28pmNot only the government but the most liberal end of the government.
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:34amThe real problem is that sex education in the schools has morphed from informing kids about disease and unwanted pregnancy into all out promotion of abortion and homosexuality. It’s just another area of education that facts and real teaching have been replaced with opinions and indoctrination.
Report Post »Okpulot Taha
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:25amTom McIlheran of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is cited, “…after three decades of school-run sex ed and a 40% national illegitimacy rate, what’s there to worry about….”
McIlheran displays a serious problem here in America; stunning ignorance and refusal to be held responsible. Schools are not at fault for teenage pregnancy, parents are at fault for teenage pregnancy.
McIlheran claims himself to be a right wing conservative. MIlheran is neither a conservative nor a liberal rather MIlheran is a simple minded dumb boy.
Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
john seven eighteen
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:33amOkpulot -
I think that’s what McIlheran was saying (in jest). At least that’s the way I took it. He was pointing out the same things you said, only he was making a joke out of it.
Report Post »SummerB
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:17amI don’t like the way they group the sensitive areas together. Personally, I think that intercourse & contraception if fine as it’s pretty route, however, how abortion is presented can be slated by the instructor’s personal preference. And many parents who would opt-in for at least the 1st two may want to opt-out for homosexuality & masturbation. Anyway, I’m sure any students whose parents opt-out will hear all the details from the the other students.
Back in my day, in 6th grade a film (really a slide show) on how babies were made via drawings was the curriculum. The actual intercourse part was depicted showing how dogs did it. Then how the human fetus develops. You were told that if you had any questions to ask you parents. Well, I only had 1 & I though my mother was going to fall face 1st onto the washing machine (hehe). In HS, there was no sex ed.; girls went to Home Economics classes & boys to Shop. In college I took a liberal arts sex ed. class & that was about it. Homosexuality experimentation was only referenced once by an anecdotal experience of the instructor. I gotta tell you, I turned out just fine without any detailed sex ed. in school, &, I trust, so did everyone else.
Report Post »Stupid Windmill
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:16amI don’t see why you guys are making a big deal out of sex. Its nothing special.
And by putting it on some sort of pedestal you are only contributing to the problem as you are not allowing a child to learn about it properly. If you actually teach what sex is and what it does you have a better chance of preventing people from having sex because they can comprehend the consequences.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:55amYou misunderstand. We are not making a big deal out of sex, but with the fact that parents are not given any say so in things like what is age apropriate or content being taught. Basic sex ed is fine but a child should not be ushered into classes that teach things he isn’t ready for.
Report Post »What They Really Are Saying
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:01am…What the hell do you mean? Sex is pretty basic stuff, you can learn everything about it in 5 minutes.
Report Post »voodoo donut
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:17amSex is nothing special? Did you really just say that?
Hey – here’s a thought. Maybe that attitude is part of the problem.
Report Post »Matthew
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:44pm“I don’t see why you guys are making a big deal out of sex. Its nothing special.”
>>> It is for that statement alone that you reveal you know nothing about how other people view the sexual act. While you may not care about sex, the physical act, there are plenty of mothers and fathers who want their children to know that act of sex is just part of the bigger picture of adult physical love. It is for THIS VERY REASON that some parents do not want Government Education to handle Sex Education.
“And by putting it on some sort of pedestal you are only contributing to the problem as you are not allowing a child to learn about it properly.”
>> By whose defination will we agree to, to make sure the child learns about sex properly? A Catholic? A Buddist? A Muslim? An Atheist? A Fundemental Christian? Because it is a government institution, a public school cannot and will not address the deeper issues that religion conveys to the martial act of sex. This subject is not simple, because each person believes that they have the right perception about sex ed.
“If you actually teach what sex is and what it does you have a better chance of preventing people from having sex because they can comprehend the consequences.”
>> Wrong. Sex and the sex act are driven by hormones. This means that logic is rarely present, regardless of whatever training has been imparted. Teens (and heaven help us, pre-teens) do not have the advantage of wisdom and experience, thus they cannot benefit from understanding the consequences. Moral neutral education by the state can only lead to more sex being had by children.
And we are not even addressing the larger issues: 1) the training of abortion as the best (only) solution to unwanted children. And 2) the questions regardng hetero and homosexual sex (like, “Do you think you are straight because you have not had a positive homosexual encounter?” This was a real question posed to students in California in 2004 by a public school.)
Report Post »clhathaway
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:48pmSe is nothing special? Reeeeeeeeeealllllly??
God doesn’t seem to think that way. He has a lot of rules about it. What is more important, I don’t think tenagers think that it is nothing special. I certainly didn’t. I‘m almost fifty and it’s still a pretty big deal to me, maybe because I don’t get any :-)
How do you expect to convince them that it isn’t special? Hmmmmm? By giving them “information”? Yeah, liberal pinheadedness in a nutshell.
Report Post »unashamed conservative
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:07amI taught my daughter all the pertinent info she needed about herself and sex. We had more than one conversation and each time it was at an age-appropriate level. A HUGE part of our conversations has always been about self respect, whether discussing proper attire, behavior or abstinence. It is true that not all kids have parents who will cover all this. I didn’t, learned a lot from my sisters and friends, but it was always clear in our household that we were expected to make good choices. If we didn’t, we suffered the consequences. No matter how it turns out, this is a parent/child matter and kids DO KNOW right from wrong, INNATELY, even if they aren’t being taught at home. All that being said, I didn’t mind my daughter taking sex-ed classes that were basic in nature. I would not want her in a class that assumed our kids would have sex anyway or where other controversial topics are covered.
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:13amI didn’t mind taking the classes either in school, but now as a parent, I see things differently.
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:15amUnashamed -
Excellent response. More parents need to take on that responsibilty, so kudos to you. One question though – would you not mind your daughter taking a basic sex-ed class if you had not already had those talks with her yourself? I think that’s the key issue here, talk to your kids about it first, then let them take the class if they want to but it gives them some perspective, based on what their parents taught them. It allows them to think for themselves, using the information from both parents and the school (not to mention their peers).
Report Post »unashamed conservative
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:26am@Bauervision – I did have the benefit of a school system that put out A LOT of information that would be covered, AND it’s a more conservative district, AND it was not mandatory.
@John Seven Eighteen – I agree, but if parents know it’s coming up, then they most certainly should have that conversation first. Even if it’s just the day before classes begin. It’s uncomfortable, but I found that by pretending to not be uncomfortable and talk like it’s just another phase of growing up, it’s not so bad.
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:38am@Unashamed -
I completely agree. BTW, I am not a parent, although I always wanted kids, but if I had kids that is exactly how I would handle this delicate subject. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that schools even want to give parents that option, they have come to believe that they know better than the parents what is best for all kids. Sad.
Report Post »unashamed conservative
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:50am@ John
This is off topic, but in response to your correct notion that too many schools/teachers want to have more control over our children’s non-academic learning.
Just before the 2008 presidential election, my daughter came home and told me her life skills (home-ec) teacher said derogatory things about conservatives such as Limbaugh, Beck, etc. and asked the kids if they’d ever heard of these people. What is more strange is that another parent in the class, who was more liberal, said her son thought the teacher was saying derogatory things about Obama. So at worst, this teacher was stepping out of bounds and at best, she had confused and alienated ALL her students who felt she was basically insulting their parents.
How did I handle it? I went directly to the teacher. That is not easy, a very intimidating situation, and I practically threw myself into the classroom. I repeated what I and other parents heard, repeated the part about her alienating all her students and lastly I said this: “I do not and will not check my authority as a parent at the doors to this building or this classroom. Do you understand what I am saying?” I then shared the same information with the VP and was told there were other irritated parents. That sentence is VERY important. Our children‘s teachers need to know that trust works both ways and if we’re to trust them they need to be ethical, professional and UNDERSTAND that we don’t stop being parents when our kids are in their charge!
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:16am@Unashamed
What a sad commentary on the state of our education system. It’s no secret that (for some reason) liberals are drawn to being educators, and they dominate the teaching profession at all levels. I don’t know if this is part of some grand scheme (I’m not a conspiracy theorist) or if conservative teachers have just given up in frustration and left the profession, but it should not surprise anyone as to why our kids are learning fewer and fewer meaningful lessons (about history, math, etc) and are learning more and more how to hate and disrespect others who have different views of life than their own. I consider this indoctrination, since kids go to school with a reasonable expectation of learning, so they tend to believe what they are being taught. If parents don’t know about it, like your daughter told you, then they have no opportunity to step in and demand change. I am so appalled at the state of our education system that if I had kids I would work three jobs to put them in private schools, or do anything I had to do to keep them from being exposed to this nonsense.
BTW, you handled that situation very well but the sad thing is that you were probably in a very large minority of parents who cared enough or had gumption enough to take the matter into their own hands. I would have done the same, only I don’t know if I could have been as diplomatic as you were. I might have been given a personal escort from the premesis. But, I think it is important enough that I would do anything to ensure my child was not subjected to that trash.
Report Post »unashamed conservative
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:55pm@ John
You bring up all good points. We are very fortunate to live in a good, solid, well supported and parent-involved district. We had considered private education, but it really wasn’t affordable and since we struggle somewhat to live where we know the public schools are among the best in Ohio, it seemed to defy the higher property taxes we already pay. I’d guess that the conservative to liberal ratio here is about 60/40 and since over 70% of residents are college educated and demographically in a good area, the level of civility is also higher than in some places. In other words, we can all generally live and let live. As I pointed out with that one teacher, there are exceptions and we must always stay on guard!
If it helps you to feel better, or encourages anyone considering a new career and reading this, my husband has gone back to school to complete licensure coursework in education. Then he’ll go on to the masters program. This decision was made after 9 months of being laid off, with no prospects, and growing disgust with how poorly educated liberals truly are. He decided he wanted to be part of a new wave of ethical teachers who will teach old school AND teach truth! We are seeing a growing trend of moderates to conservatives going back into education. So, I would like to at least thank the liberal establishment for motivating my husband, at age 41, to put his money where his mouth is.
Report Post »john seven eighteen
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:08pm@Unashamed
I think that’s awesome. It sounds like he knows what an uphill battle he faces, yet he is willing to face it head-on. We could use (lots) more like him. I wish him Godspeed.
Report Post »unashamed conservative
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:33pm@ John
Thank you. Thank you also for the conversation. It‘s always nice to know you aren’t alone in this crazy world right now. Lets keep stepping up and praying for our nation and our children. I wish you God’s blessings.
Report Post »tbb
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:06amsex ed is my responsibilty as a parent not the school’s. I wouldn’t trust the schools to teach it accurately nor to my standards.
Report Post »Relocated1
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:52amAmen!!!!!
Report Post »HUGGINGMYBABIES
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:01amWTG Cheddarburg!!! If you’re not going to spend the TIME rearing your child then I might ask, why did you have one? If you don‘t feel qualified then ask your child’s pediatrician to have that “talk” with you or for you. This is truly one of the biggest reasons we pulled our 6 year old out of the WI public schools last year. The things being taught (thankfully here the literacy rate is only 47%) are mind boggling.
Report Post »Rathbone
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:56amSo… giving parents the ability to make choices for their children is a controversial idea? What have we become?
Report Post »Rathbone
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:55amSo…. giving parents the ability to make choices for their children is a controversial idea? What have we become?
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:46amhow about parents play the role of parents, suck it up, be a man, and tell your kid the truth. I’ve always felt that if my son is intelligent enough to ask the question, they are intelligent enough to get the answer.
Why keep allowing a controlling source outside of the home be the one to be honest with your own children?
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:58amAmen.
Report Post »mintyfresh
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:17amunfortunately, not all parents are as good as you. how do you suppose we educate those children who don’t learn at home? sex ed is a necessary part of curriculum (if they don’t learn at home or school – where do you think they learn? rather cinemax teach your kids?). you may feel that math would be better taught at home too. but again, not every parent will teach math. integral facts that must not be dropped need to be covered at both home and school to ensure that everyone gets a proper education.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:45amMinty, I don’t think the largest part of the problem is in sex ed, it is some of the material taught in class. Instead of just what changes occur in the body and the birds and the bees they are speaking on things that are very disturbing to alot of individuals.
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:50pmMinty, how about we quiz the students to see what their parents have taught them? Then if the student fails the quiz, the student and the parent have to attend a class. Otherwise, if the parent refuses to attend the class, we offer the class to the student as a special service.
Report Post »mintyfresh
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 7:42pm@untameable-kate – i guess it depends on your definition of sexual education and what the controversial issues are. a lot of these things that are considered “disturbing” are actually necessary parts of complete education (such as various contraception models, masturbation, sexually transmitted diseases.) as a physician, i encounter a large number of people who have never had a foundation of the scientific facts about these things, and i personally believe it is very important. Which subjects are you specifically concerned about?
@Bauervision – i suppose i would question why sex ed would be viewed any differently from other subjects. should this extend to math, science, reading, etc? but i’m not completely opposed to the idea, as long as all necessary topics are covered fully on the test.
Report Post »snowleopard3200
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:46amWe shall see how long this lasts.
My idea for sex ed is found in one simple response – Leave it for the parents to handle.
The government for the most part is so warped into a noose that is about our necks it tells us we have a choice when there is none – like ford said about the Model – T ‘you may choose any color you want as long as it is black.’ (P.s. this info I got directly from a grandparent who worked with Mr Ford)
http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (mix art)
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:38amI agree. No one knows my kid like I do. I Have openly and honestly answered all of his questions and I know what he is ready to talk about from the questions he asks. Not all kids develop and mature at the same age so how can the schools decide what age to teach gay sex and masturbation and abortion to them? Those subjects especially should be off limits to teach to children whose parents would like to aproach them from a point of view that is in harmony with thier own belief and lifestyles.
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:39pmthis is why our kids cant read and write with the other countrys they are too busy teaching kids about gay penguins and gay unions to teach them the basics. these are our children are you so willing to turn your kids over to sexual deviates? because they are teaching our kids some really sick things. remember even our founding fathers had drawn a line that they were not going to let them cross. its time to draw ours.
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 9:44amSex ed for pre teens and above is a good thing. It prevents disease and unwanted pregnancy. People who don’t learn about sex through legitimate channels end up learning about it through the internet and porn. Not a good thing.
Report Post »adifftake
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:01amFreedom; Did you know about sex before they taught it in school? If so, your argument does not hold water. Sex ed in schools was designed for only one purpose. That was to allow parents to not have to fulfill thier responsability to thier children to teach it in context.
Yes I said in Context: Every parent has different moral standards and it is thier responsability to pass on life’s lessons. Sex ed in schools make it seem OK to engage in behavior that teens are too young to take on the responsabilities of thier actions, you know, babies and such?
Most children if you remember your childhood from the 1960′s learned sex long before jr high, it being the sexaul revolution. There was no shortage of perverts back then as there is no shortage now more than willing to introduce your children tosex,drugs,and rock and roll or rap,etc,etc,etc.
Report Post »A1955Rosie
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:05amYes sex ed has a place…but where this is going and the way it’s going does not give the parents nor the child PROPER EDUCATION. At the very least, I would demand to know the date of the class and all parents show up so that it can properly be corrected…..or videotaped and the parent has a recourse! IT’S WACKED OUT, THEY’RE BREAKING MORAL VALUES BY PROMOTING THE “TEST DRIVE” that is soooo intense in young men.
Report Post »FreedomOfSpeech
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:11am@Addiftake I’m torn on the issue. I see what you are saying but sometimes for religious reasons, parents will not explain sex to their kids. They see sex as “bad” and do not want to expose their kids to it. These leaves kids more vulnerable to those perverts you talked about. I’d prefer to have some education in school since many parents will not teach their kids about sex for religious reasons. There are pluses and minuses, I know. But I think that more information actually protects kids more than it hurts them.
Report Post »Bauervision
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:15amwhen I landed in Korea for my year tour in the Army, one of the first things they did was show us a video I’ll never forget. I kept my pecker in my pants that whole year! Sure as hell didn’t see that video in 8th grade! But I sure as hell would have been able to benefit from it!
Report Post »moriarty70
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:24am@adifftake
It’s a great idea for parents to talk to their kids, but they focus on morals and values, and not everyone talks about basic things like contraception. Considering that most people don‘t wait until they’re married, I think if the school is doing a sex ed program it’s irresponible not to say “Here’s a condom, IF you have sex, use one.”
Otherwise, take it right out of the education system and watch the STD/STI and pregnancy rates skyrocket.
Report Post »clhathaway
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:39amFact: Sexual promiscuity and the rate of STDs has increased wherever Sex Ed has been taught. Sex Ed is by degign value/moral nuetral, which in effect undermines moral strictures on sexual behavior making sexual activity seem more “permisible” to students. The introduction of contarception INCREASES preganncy and SDTs because it gives an ILLUSION of protection which decreases the fear which normally helps control behavior. Contrceptiononly works when it is USED. That takes discipline and often foresight, which is generally lacking in teens, especially when they are sexually aroused. Hence, a teen contemplating sex, using the little brain below, will be emboldened on a gut level by Sex Ed to FEEL it is safe but he will not be thinking very much with his big brain above and use those condoms in the heat of passion.
Report Post »moriarty70
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:02am@clhathaway
If you’re going to use the word “Fact” could you at least name the study you’re refering to so people can check it for themselves?
Report Post »CAPTAIN
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:11amSex Ed has but one purpose: to indoctrinate children to accept and embrace homosexuality.
Report Post »niki
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:23amYou have no idea what you are talking about. Look at our society. Sex ed has been in schools for decades. Is it really helping? Should we be adults and teach our children, or should we leave it up to the government, like they so badly want us to.
Report Post »rebel
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 11:34amsex ed in school is nothing but a giggle fest and snickering about who is going to get diseases and babies. i had to go through 4 years of it and it didnt stop us/help us/deter. It was a joke. now my parents talking to me about it…I had to listen and that left an impact. Little warped maybe, but I know how kids act and there is nothing like a parent being serious over an expert in how to put a condom on a banana
Report Post »mcjj
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:07pmSeriousely… Sex ed belongs to the parents to teach. Why would anyone depend on the gov’t or a teacher who you have no idea what their beliefs or morals are? The reason there is such a huge percentage or pregnancy and disease is NOT because the kids are not being taught from the gov’t… but because kids ARE being taught by the gov’t instead of their parents!!! It is our responsibility to teach out kids. The reason for our youth’s crime rates, pregnancy, and sexual diseases is because our society has accepted that somehow it is OK to have everyone else raise their kids! After you have your new born baby, they are put in daycare for 9-10 hours a day so you can persue your career, which then turns into early preschool, then preschool, then the years from kindergarten to senior year. Adding in of course the evening extra curricular activities… you are basically one on one with your child imparting your morals a whopping 2 or 3 hours a day over dinner (if your lucky) and tucking them into bed. Mean while their teachers, daycare workers, coaches, are imparting their values into your kid. Why have kids?
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:21pmOMG – we agree on something – and the Obama administration is not burning books – at least be honest in your disagreements with the administration. http://maboulette.wordpress.com
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:26pmwhy are you parents not taring and feathering the school board and running them all out of town. this is our nation damn it and they can only do this if we put up with it!
Report Post »ron the veteran
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 12:27pmid tell them to pick the tree we are going to string your butt up in. now there a choice.
Report Post »brandtgolden
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 1:06pmA real good thing, kids and teachers having sex is not good in my book, This teaching started the teachers have sex with ther students ever since the dem forced kids to listen to people other than there parents.
Report Post »showourstrength
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 3:09pmfreedom, you are pulling stuff out of your butt. The psych studies prove the opposite, so please read a little on the subject before you make proclamations. exp. the rate of teenage pregnancy and std contraction has gone up 4 to 5 times since sex ed became part of the corriculum. Also, with the quality of education/students in this nation, what makes you think that the pertinent info will even be used.
Report Post »Kilkman
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 4:01pmhttp://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=214757
The above link will make any normal person feel sick. All these Sex ed classes are based on Kinseys research, under the assumption that all children are sexual beings. And its our job to teach them how to do it safely. The premise is flawed and based on garbage science. I wish we could bring back the rack to punish the freaks behind this garbage.
Report Post »watchmany2k
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 6:21pmhere’s my take on the subject.
I am a 52 year old guy. Straight, divorced with a grown Son and Daughter.
I just buried my best friend of 20 years, he died from Hep C, He caught it from a previous relationship.
So, yes there are deadly consequences everyone should be aware of.
I am not opposed to a clinical discussion and education of sex, disease, and biology.
I would consider it a prerequisite for any higher class in biology.
I first took biology classes in the 9th grade.
I first had very basic sex ed classes in Jr. High.
I remember that one girl “had to move away” in the 6th grade.
So, even then pre-teens were engaged in sexual activity.
My parents had “the talk” with me, We also had records and books on the topic for casual use around the house.
I would say they presented the topic with 1950′s morals and thinking, while corny now, they at least were informational.
We could ask and talk about ANY subject, and discussions often started at the kitchen table.
We had to wheel the TV cart into the kitchen to watch the 1969 moon landing and watched it on black and white.
Times HAVE changed.
I assume that SOME children are not taught anything at home.
For them SOME aspect of biology, disease and sex education should be provided.
At the least access to clinical information should exist in the library, the nurses office, and MAYBE even the guidance office.
Children are NOT stupid, and know how to find info for themselves, and at their own pace.
For me the BIG question is: should it include contraception, abortion, or homosexuality ?
The one thing I notice is NOT included in all agendas is ABUSE and victimology.
although the “don’t talk to strangers“ and ”Don’t touch me” are taught somewhat at earlier ages.
Yet even the “No means No” is simply reactionary by college and only to serve as protection from lawsuit of the institution.
I don’t know exactly what he said, but the US ed. dept. czar HAS said his agenda is
to expose children to the homosexual “lifestyle” (in so many words).
They are dedicating great sums of $ to indoctrinate children in what has previously been the moral/amoral domain of parents.
It WILL be the child who is not taught anything at home that will suffer the greatest influence.
Make no mistake, there ARE those who have an agenda, and that IS to influence the next generation of voters to be more accepting of “alternative” lifestyles, Abortion, contraception, regardless of the actual facts that are known.
The bars are full of aging, miserable transvestites and gays, some dying of disease, all rejected now that they are not “fresh”.
Almost all Male and Females party to abortion at some point in their lifetime are confronted with the psychological consequence of their choice.
There are numerous parents who actually practiced contraception, and there are many more seeking treatment for STD’s who actually practiced “safe sex”.
More than half of the women I meet have been abused in some form in their lifetime, and not a few men as well.
I grant that for the negative outcomes I describe above, there are those who experience positive encounters.
Here again, what are the actual percentages ?
MORE importantly, is that information being presented to the child !?!
I would postulate: NO
We require doctors and hospitals to give an accurate risk and percentage report PRO and CON for every procedure.
WHY is it NOT required of our educators to present the equivalent PRO and CON info to a child
who will ultimately USE the information presented in making their own “informed” choices ?
I would postulate: AGENDA
My theory is they are furthering their evil population reduction plans via disease and abortion,
and the acceptance of 10% or less “lifestyles” with the goal of protective class law,
along with the continued destruction of family -the basis of a moral and educated citizen.
In short, the furtherance of the progressive socialist/communist agenda via indoctrination of the next generation.
The topic of abuse is contrary to the agenda, and I have never heard or read of it’s inclusion in supposed sex ed.
Unless it’s male bashing.
I encourage all to participate in their yearly school budget and agenda meetings, You do realize what they set there becomes the lion‘s share of your real estate tax don’t you ?
I encourage those with children to home school or private school if they can afford what is required of either. Perhaps team up with other like mind parents.
I encourage ALL to demand educators return to the basics, and prepare our children for the workplace or entrepreneurship
It used to be grades determined who would be sweeping floors or be the CEO,
PAY attention when governors and educators have meetings with industry to set education goals, participate in those meetings.
Education today, is set to ensure the next generation will accept 3rd world status.
Report Post »THAT my friends is Criminal, if not treason, and only WE can change that !
gracentruth
Posted on October 22, 2010 at 3:31pmSchools are not legitimate places to teach why God created them male and female. It is the parents’ job. Schools should be privatized – free enterprise is always better than government funded. Marxist doctrine is being taught in schools now. I am a former teacher and I know of what I speaketh.
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