From listening to the small but loud group of misinformed and fearful parents and other county residents, one might think that the Montgomery County Board of Education has spearheaded drastic and radical changes to its health education curriculum ["Writing on the Rightness of Sex-Ed Changes; Curriculum Prompts Hundreds to Protest or Voice Support," Metro, Dec. 5].
What the board did was actually twofold:
First, it ensured that health teachers will be able to provide a consistent message to students, through the use of a compelling video about the importance of abstinence, the dangers of unprotected sex and the proper use of condoms.
While these issues have been discussed in health classes since the 1980s, consistency and accuracy were lacking. Parents still have to opt in to this segment of the health class, and they have the right to bar their children from participating. This has not changed.
Second, the board approved a small pilot program, the results of which will be evaluated next summer, to teach students about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of sexual variation. The aim is to dispel stereotypes and bullying.
While we must respect the views of parents who do not want schools to provide this information to their children, those who oppose this curriculum for their children must respect the wishes of the majority of Montgomery County parents who favor it.
TRACY FOX
Co-Chair
HENRY LEE
Past co-chair
Montgomery County School Health Council
Rockville
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Regarding the article about the controversy surrounding the new sex-education curriculum for Montgomery County public school students:
Get paid for your H I P I M P L A N T troubles.>>