A Florida school district voted to approve a controversial sex education curriculum that opposes the terms “boy” and “girl” after a debate this week — so heated it led to the arrest of a local advocate.
The Broward County School Board approved the proposed K-12 guidelines Tuesday night by a narrow 5-4 margin after a tense exchange between supporters and opponents.
Debbie Espinoza, a local advisory council member, was escorted out of the meeting and arrested for allegedly shoving a police officer after clashing with conservative activist Deirdre Ruth.
Supporters at the meeting hailed the curriculum as comprehensive and “inclusive” help for students on a range of issues – from gender identity to reproduction to sexually transmitted diseases.
But others criticized elements of the platform that they say cross the boundaries of appropriate discourse in public schools — and potentially violate state law.
In one section, the document advises teachers against using the terms “male” and “female” and opting for “cisgender” instead.
Debbie Espinoza was arrested for allegedly resisting police after an argument with a conservative activist.NBC 6 Miami
“You may be used to hearing people referred to simply as ‘male’ or ‘female,’ but the correct term is ‘cisgender,”’ the curriculum states. “For some people, what they see in the mirror and what they feel inside are different.”
A suggested lesson plan for kindergarten titled “Understanding Our Bodies — The Basics” states that “there are some parts of the body that are mostly girls and some parts that are mostly boys.”
Another section for high school students explains the correct use of condoms for both vaginal and anal intercourse, and the health risks that accompany various types of sexual activity.
Debbie Espinoza is escorted out of the meeting after arguing with speaker Deirdre Ruth.WSVN 7 News Miami
“It is unfortunate that five board members are supporting a curriculum with inappropriate material that should be introduced at home between children and their parents,” Board Member Torey Alston told Florida’s Voice.
“Trying to defy science in terms of the Y chromosome and the X chromosome that biologically defines our children is wrong,” said one speaker during the meeting in Fort Lauderdale.
A district parent named Marta questioned how the curriculum would be structured when presented to students.
Deirdre Ruth opposes Broward County’s proposed sex ed curriculum.WSVN 7 News Miami
“Many parents are concerned about how this information will be given to our children and who will determine its content,” he told the board.
Ruth complained the district made the 1,200-plus page document publicly available Friday, giving parents just three days to review it before Tuesday’s meeting.
He also questioned the introduction of anal sex material starting in seventh grade.
Board passes curriculum 5-4.NBC 6 Miami
But other parents support the curriculum, arguing that students benefit from it — especially as they move up to higher grades.
“It is important for students to learn about things like consent, hygiene, gender, [sexually transmitted infection] prevention and healthy relationships,” said another speaker, adding sex ed can help prevent unwanted grooming and pregnancy.
Another parent pointed out that the guidelines fall within Florida law’s limitations, some of which limit discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.
The curriculum will now go to the Florida Department of Education for final approval.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
