NoviTalk.org

Definitions matter in sex education

The Novi Board of Education recently approved a new and expanded Sex Education curriculum.  I’m a bit perplexed, though, by the final definition of the word “abstinence” used by the district in what is supposed to be an abstinence-based curriculum.

In a previous meeting, many board members expressed concerns with different portions of the curriculum content.  One specific area revolved around the inconsistency of this definition and how it would be taught.

Initially, the curriculum included a document titled “So What’s an Abstinence Anyway?“  In it, students were asked to select which specific acts (from a list of 15) they believed they could engage in and still be abstinent.  Understandably, school board members asked that this be taken out.

After some investigating, I found that “abstinence” will be defined as “choosing not to have sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal sex).”

This definition is extremely narrow, especially for a public school curriculum.  It will do nothing more than make a mockery of this choice and is counterproductive to the expectations most parents have for their children.

I’m somewhat disappointed that the school district conducted two public forums on this sensitive topic, encouraged parents to come in and evaluate the curriculum binder, and then late in the game changed and approved this definition.

Defining abstinence as “choosing not to engage in sexual activity” would have been more appropriate.  Then, parents could help define it as broad or narrow as they see fit.  And if they decide to limit it to those 3 acts, then so be it.

During last Thursday’s meeting, one board member asked: “How does a classroom teacher handle a question about a specific sexual activity that’s outside of the stated definition (whether it’s permissible or not permissible)?”  Answer:  “Typically, we’ll say that’s something you’ll need to ask your parent or another trusted adult.”

So parents, should your child ask you whether engaging in other sexual activities would still allow them to be abstinent, be prepared to clean up the mess this part of the curriculum leaves behind.