Help Protect Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Comprehensive sex education is facing increasing opposition, often from the same groups seeking to ban books and restrict LGBTQ+ rights. This opposition aims to limit access to information and empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships. However, research consistently shows that comprehensive sex education leads to positive outcomes, including reduced rates of teen pregnancy and STIs, and healthier relationships. 

Here are concrete steps you can take!

1. Advocacy and Community Engagement:

• Organize Community Support:

Statewide and local coalitions can be effective in advocating for CSE and countering opposition. 

• Public Education:

Supporters should actively provide accurate information about CSE and address misinformation spread by opponents. 

• School Board Elections:

Engaging in school board elections can raise awareness and influence decisions about sex education policies. 

• Partner with Stakeholders:

Collaborating with national education officials, youth coalitions, and local youth advocates can help identify and address barriers to CSE implementation. 

• Engage Parents and Caregivers:

Involving parents, caregivers, and community partners in school programs is crucial for creating a supportive environment for CSE. 

2. Ensuring Quality and Accuracy:

• Choose Appropriate Curricula:

Select curricula that are thorough, accurate, and based on scientific evidence, rather than fear-mongering or misinformation. 

• Train Educators:

Provide comprehensive training for teachers and school staff on delivering CSE effectively and inclusively. 

• Address Diverse Needs:

Ensure that CSE programs address the needs of all students, including those with disabilities and those with diverse sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds. 

• Connect to Resources:

Link students to sexual health and other health services available in the school or community. 

3. Countering Opposition:

• Combat Misinformation:

Actively counter misinformation campaigns and biased information that may be presented as part of CSE. 

• Address Barriers to Implementation:

Work with community stakeholders to identify and address obstacles that prevent individuals from accessing CSE. 

• Advocate for Policy Changes:

Support policies that promote comprehensive, medically accurate, and age-appropriate sex education. 

• Highlight the Benefits:

Emphasize the positive impact of CSE on preventing unintended pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence. 

4. Legal and Policy Considerations:

• Support Legal Challenges:

Support legal challenges against abstinence-only curricula that are not based on sound evidence. 

• Monitor Legislation:

Stay informed about state and local laws regarding sex education and advocate for policies that support CSE. 

• Ensure Accessibility:

Make sure that CSE materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. 

By taking these steps, advocates can help ensure that all young people have access to the comprehensive sex education they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.