The Senate approved a bill to update Massachusetts' sex education curriculum, but its future is uncertain.
At the same time, schools across Cape Cod and the Islands are working to align with Gov. Maura Healey's proposed guidelines for 2023 to make their curricula better suited to the needs of diverse students.
While the Senate's approval of the Healthy Youth Act spurred action in schools, it also faced considerable opposition and criticism, particularly over content that was “not age-appropriate” and “comprehensive sex education.” Some argue that it should be mandatory.
Under the Healthy Youth Act, school districts that choose to teach sex education will follow state guidelines and consider forming healthy relationships. Gender identity and sexual orientation. Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Discuss safe sex. more.
“This is a common sense bill,” Sen. Julian Seale, D-Truro, said of the Healthy Youth Act.
Meanwhile, in 2023, the Ministry of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted guidelines for schools that must teach health and physical education based on state law, and implemented standards at the local level, including what curriculum and materials to use. It gave them discretion to decide the method. Parents also have the right to let their children opt out.
The Healthy Youth Act has been approved by the Senate for the fifth time, but it is unlikely to be approved by the House, where Speaker Ron Mariano has said he wants school districts to work within DESE guidelines.
Inclusion in the spotlight: Cyr on sex education curriculum
“Opposition to this bill really stems from irrational homophobia and transphobia that doesn't respond to where students are,” Seil said, adding that the Massachusetts school model health system, which includes sex education, He noted that the curriculum was last updated in 1999, before Healey's DESE. The guidelines were updated last year.
He said it was “grossly outdated.”
He noted that Cape residents understand the need to be inclusive and welcoming to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender or identity.
Shea added that the bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives, and said, “We will continue to monitor the bill and advocate for these long-awaited updates whenever possible.” .
Sturgis' efforts to make sex education more inclusive
Paul Marble, executive director of Sturgis Charter Public Schools, said the school has utilized the professional services of sexuality and wellness educator Sukriti Dabral for the past five years to improve sexual health and wellness. He said he has been teaching.
“We will definitely incorporate new state-approved topics and requirements into our curriculum,” Marble said.
“My main goal is to help people stay healthy and live healthy, fulfilling lives,” Dabral said.
Topics covered in her curriculum include sexual health and wellness, consent and communication, pregnancy prevention through contraceptive methods such as condom use, gender identity, sexual orientation, and diversity, among others. Everything will be compiled into a letter and sent to the parents. Dabral said she was scheduled a few weeks ago.
“We also offer hands-on condom practice in the classroom as part of the lesson using wooden models,” Dabral said.
Dabral said that under the current law, anyone can teach anything under the guise of sex education, and there are no standard regulations, which can lead to the spread of misinformation.
Despite repeated attempts, the Monomoy Regional School District was unable to provide timely comment on this matter. Barnstable Public Schools declined to comment on the attorney's advice.
Writer Casey Choung of the Boston University Statehouse Program contributed to this article.
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