comprehensive sex education
Did Abstinence-Only Ideology Create a Bully Generation?
January 5, 2012 - 9:28am (Print)
Abstinence-only programs, with their emphasis on purity, marriage, and heterosexuality, create hostile environments that perpetuate the growth of rule-enforcing bullies, one slut-shaming, homophobic class at a time.
Young People and Comprehensive Sex Education: Moving Beyond Scare Tactics and Fear Mongering in 2012
by Andrew Jenkins, OutServe
January 3, 2012 - 12:09am (Print)
Growing up in the United States is like playing a foucauldian game of discipline and punish. Disciplined by a morally bankrupt narrative about sex and sexuality and then punished for daring to question it.
New York Times Magazine Spotlights A Comprehensive Sexuality Education Course
by Martha Kempner, RH Reality Check
November 22, 2011 - 4:48pm (Print)
In a refreshing change from articles on sex education controversies, virginity pledge events, and chastity balls, the New York Times Magazine shows us what sex education can be when a good teacher is given the freedom to address the subject in an open, honest, and comprehensive way.
Sexual Harassment: Not Really About Sex At All
by Marianne Møllmann, Amnesty International
November 10, 2011 - 2:09pm (Print)
Sexual harassment in middle and high schools today is motivated by either misogyny or homophobia. Neither has to do with sex. And neither would be helped by treating sexual harassment between children as a result of overactive hormones to be dismissed.
Debate Of NYC Schools' Sex Education Curriculum
On October 26, 2011, Andrea Miller, President of NARAL Pro-Choice New York, appeared on NY1's "Inside City Hall" to defend the importance of comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education, which will be taught on a standardized, universal basis across New York City public middle and high schools starting in January, 2012. Miller's opponent was Michael Benjamin of the Chiaroscuro Foundation's NYC Parent's Choice Coalition, a conservative group that opposes comprehensive sex education.
In Case You Missed It: Rick Perry Struggles to Answer Question on Abstinence
This short clip is worth watching if you missed it the first time around. In a rather disturbing display -- especially by a presidential hopeful -- Rick Perry simply embarrasses himself with his inability to explain why abstinence, which has proven not to prevent teenage pregnancies, is the preventative solution he recommends.
Bristol Palin's "Stolen Virginity:" What's the Real Message?
by Martha Kempner, RH Reality Check
June 28, 2011 - 3:44pm (Print)
In her new memoir, the country's most famous teen mom and abstinence ambassador claims that Levi Johnston "stole" her virginity but does not believe it was rape; a puzzling distinction.
Sex Education and STDs: Why the Message Matters
by Sandra Serna-Smith, National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD)
April 11, 2011 - 8:19am (Print)
A society that is willing to move beyond scary pictures is one that is willing to address stigma and health inequities and promote sexual health.
Making Media To Expose Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Messages
by Bianca I. Laureano, LatinoSexuality.com
December 1, 2010 - 11:47pm (Print)
A new series of animated videos featuring content from actual abstinence-only-until-marriage curricula, programs, and lesson plans is being created to raise awareness and get youth involved.
Abstinence-Only Education Offers Nothing But an "F"
by Pamela Merritt, RH Reality Check
October 3, 2010 - 6:00am (Print)
I’ve taught young women who thought drinking a certain brand of soda pop would prevent HIV/AIDS infection and who were convinced that certain forms of birth control caused permanent sterilization.
Follow Pamela Merritt on Twitter, @SharkFu
