As I read about Battle Ground’s sex ed decision, I remember the same arguments over 50 years ago in Arizona. While reading, I assumed the kids were grade school. But when I saw “high school,” I was appalled. High school! Their very lives and future health depend on accurate information.
I spent my final years working in maternal child/postpartum. You would be surprised how many 12- to 15-year-old moms I took care of. Most of them didn’t have a clue.
I started my kids out (at 3 and 4 years) with “the chicken book,” as I was a bit embarrassed. By the time Reagan sent out his information on HIV/AIDS, I sat them both down to read it. The younger one took part in a program started by our health department. As a group they did skits about sex education in area schools. She was in seventh or eighth grade. That daughter now has a master’s in human sexuality as well as a master’s in school counseling. That included all LBGTQ issues. Approximately 8 percent of our kids are LBGTQ and subject to abuse and bullying. They need support, because they are more likely to self-medicate and/or commit suicide.
Keeping our kids ignorant is dangerous.
