Sex Education in Broward Schools in Jeopardy Due to State Approval Delays
State Education Department Yet to Approve Broward’s Sex Ed Proposal
The state Department of Education has yet to approve a sex education proposal for Broward schools, despite the district submitting it in September. The district submitted revisions in October and December, but these have not been approved either. The obstacle appears to be related to the teaching of birth control and other contraception.
Abstinence-Only Focus
The curriculum the Department of Education has approved elsewhere in the state has focused on abstinence rather than teaching what protections students can use if they do have sex, said Takeata King Pang, member of a steering committee for the Florida Healthy Youth Alliance. This has left some concerned that the focus will be on abstinence rather than comprehensive sex education.
Concerns about Contraception
Pang sees the direction in the state as troubling. “There are lifelong illnesses that young people are going to have to deal with because they’re not getting the information they need to protect themselves,” she said. “We are waiting on some updated data around teen pregnancy, but we expect to see some increase in that because we’re struggling to get real quality sex education in the state of Florida.”
Lack of State Response
A spokesperson for the state Department of Education did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Emails suggest Broward schools administrator Jodi Washington has regularly asked a state official for updates but hasn’t gotten anything back in writing.
Board Members’ Concerns
Some Broward School Board members have expressed concerns about the delays in approving the sex education proposal. “I want to offer the sex ed that has the best impact on students in Broward County and that is not the abstinence-based program,” Board member Allen Zeman said. “This is 2025. This is not 1955.”
Comprehensive Sex Education
Zeman and other board members have argued that comprehensive sex education is essential for students, encouraging them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. “We need to make sure our students are getting the information they need to make responsible choices,” Board member Lori Alhadeff said.
Conclusion
The delay in approving the sex education proposal has left some concerned about the direction of the state’s approach to sex education. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the state will approach this important issue.
FAQs
* What is the current status of Broward’s sex education proposal?
The state Department of Education has yet to approve the proposal, despite the district submitting it in September.
* What is the focus of the approved curriculum in other parts of the state?
The approved curriculum has focused on abstinence rather than teaching what protections students can use if they do have sex.
* What are the concerns of some Broward School Board members?
Some board members are concerned that the delay in approving the proposal will lead to the teaching of abstinence-only programs, which they believe are not effective in promoting healthy behavior among students.
