Time is right for Washington’s new sex education law. If parents don’t like it? Two words: Opt out
If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it’s this: The only way governments, institutions and individuals can beat a disease is through science, information and data.
So why would Washington turn away from these tools when it comes to the sexual health of its young people?
While most school districts already teach sex education, Washington was one of 18 states that did not require its yearly instruction.
That’s all changed now, thanks to a mandatory sexual education plan – or rather a menu of plans signed into law last Friday by Gov. Jay Inslee.
The controversial law means every Washington public school district must choose from 27 curricula developed by the state Department of Health and approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
It’s about time fact-based sex ed became available for all Washington students, especially because the new law focuses on teaching kids how to recognize predatory and abusive behavior, learn about affirmative consent and deter sexual harassment.
Republicans called the bill “government overreach,” and not one of them voted for it. They weren’t alone in their objection. On March 11, despite advice to practice social distancing, hundreds of people gathered on the steps of the state Capitol to protest. Homemade signs reflected the gross misinformation surrounding the bill: “Veto school porn” said one, and “Keep our children’s innocence” said another.
Public testimony in Olympia this winter echoed those sentiments. Parents, teachers and students complained sexual education would pique prurient interest.
Sen. Steve Ban, R-University Place, told the News Tribune he reviewed some of the material and deemed it “too explicit.” The material O’Ban referenced is called “It’s Perfectly Normal” a book that’s not part of the state’s curriculum but is offered as a recommendation for parents or guardians seeking additional material. O’Ban would know that had he checked the OSPI website.
The new law is meant to protect kids. Elementary-aged children will receive one hour per year of instruction with a focus on body safety and how to identify improper touching. Teaching safety and consent is an important component of a broader health curriculum. According to the 2018 Washington Youth Health Survey, one out of every five 12th graders reported receiving unwanted sexual touching.
At least twice a year, middle and high school students will be taught science-based information on the reproductive system, contraception, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
We get that third-party presentations about sexual orientation and other topics don’t square with everyone’s family values. That’s why legislators wisely included an opt-out clause. If parents don’t want their children to participate, they can let their schools know. Perhaps they’d prefer to talk to their kids about sexual health at home, and we hope they do – with candor and sensitivity.
They’d also do well to join Parent Teacher Associations. As school districts choose which curriculum is right for them, they’ll need input from parents, students and teachers alike. As always, the best education scenarios include a respectful partnership, where schools offer scientific and medical information and parents/guardians weigh in on the moral perspective.
Because sex ed will now be LGBTQ-inclusive, some students may hear for the first time that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is not a sickness, sin or character flaw. Kids who don’t have support will finally be spared having to seek help on the internet.
The worldwide web is no place to learn about consent-based sexual and reproductive health. Certainly conservatives and liberals can agree on that much, right?
Regrettably, the two sides found no common ground on Senate Bill 5395. Divisions in Olympia were so profound that long-term friendships — like that of House Minority Leader JT Wilcox, R-Yelm, and Majority Leader Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma — were tested late in the session. “The debate that night was the worst moment between she and I that we’ve ever had,” Wilcox shared with us Thursday.
We respect the intense feelings on both sides of the issue. But to us, there’s no doubt that Washington public school students will be better off with this new law.
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 5:40 AM with the headline "Time is right for Washington’s new sex education law. If parents don’t like it? Two words: Opt out."