Memphis City Schools changed its parental consent rules for sex
education in response to a law it says gives parents more control over
what is taught. But Planned Parenthood and other groups trying to reduce
teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS in Memphis are outraged and expect many
fewer students will receive sex education.
"Knowledge is power. When kids understand how their bodies work, they behave responsibly," said Claudia Haltom, head of A Step Ahead Foundation, which provides free long-term birth control. "When they don't have knowledge, their level of responsibility is sometimes questionable. I am shocked. This is so shortsighted. I am disappointed. It is a level of bureaucracy that does not have to be."
Parents who want their children to participate in sex education and HIV/AIDS instruction will now have to sign a consent form. Children whose parents do not sign will not get the instruction. Under the former rules, parents had to sign a form to have their children excused from class.
Next week, the district intends to roll out its plan for how it will get the word out and involve community groups in the change.
"The new law really pushes more for parents to have a say in whether their children are taught a more specific curriculum with regard to sex ed," said John Barker, chief of staff. "Our response is to be more deliberate about sharing that information with parents and seeking their informed consent."
Sex education is taught in the city schools in grades 4-9. The district is planning a meeting to discuss the changes Oct. 20 before the classes start in November.
"We look forward to broadening the community conversation with our parents around this new informed consent," Barker said, "with the intent that this new approach will provide more opportunities to inform the youth in our community."
Shelby County Schools says it already teaches an abstinence-based curriculum and is not making any change. Lee Harrell with the Tennessee School Boards Association said last week he had not heard of changes in other districts.
The law, which went into effect July 1, is abstinence based and forbids instructors from condoning "explicitly or implicitly" any behavior that is not. It forbids participation in the class by groups who promote non-abstinence. If someone besides a district employee is teaching the course and promotes nonabstinence, the law says parents will have cause to collect damages, attorney fees and court costs.
Parents may exempt their children by signing a nonconsent form. Making parents sign to get their children in the class angers Barry Chase with Planned Parenthood.
"This thing does not say that a parent must submit a request in writing to have their student attend. It says just the opposite," he said.
Rev. Dwight Montgomery agrees parents need to be more involved in how sex education is taught. "We talk about parental involvement so often. It is time for them to step up to the plate and put your name down there indicating you give permission."
Gwen Bruno, a Midtown parent, says the change "absolutely" means fewer students will get sex education.
"Everybody needs this," she said. "The ones already falling between the cracks are the ones that are going to be hurt. The cycle of poverty will continue with more unwanted children and pregnancies."
"Knowledge is power. When kids understand how their bodies work, they behave responsibly," said Claudia Haltom, head of A Step Ahead Foundation, which provides free long-term birth control. "When they don't have knowledge, their level of responsibility is sometimes questionable. I am shocked. This is so shortsighted. I am disappointed. It is a level of bureaucracy that does not have to be."
Parents who want their children to participate in sex education and HIV/AIDS instruction will now have to sign a consent form. Children whose parents do not sign will not get the instruction. Under the former rules, parents had to sign a form to have their children excused from class.
Next week, the district intends to roll out its plan for how it will get the word out and involve community groups in the change.
"The new law really pushes more for parents to have a say in whether their children are taught a more specific curriculum with regard to sex ed," said John Barker, chief of staff. "Our response is to be more deliberate about sharing that information with parents and seeking their informed consent."
Sex education is taught in the city schools in grades 4-9. The district is planning a meeting to discuss the changes Oct. 20 before the classes start in November.
"We look forward to broadening the community conversation with our parents around this new informed consent," Barker said, "with the intent that this new approach will provide more opportunities to inform the youth in our community."
Shelby County Schools says it already teaches an abstinence-based curriculum and is not making any change. Lee Harrell with the Tennessee School Boards Association said last week he had not heard of changes in other districts.
The law, which went into effect July 1, is abstinence based and forbids instructors from condoning "explicitly or implicitly" any behavior that is not. It forbids participation in the class by groups who promote non-abstinence. If someone besides a district employee is teaching the course and promotes nonabstinence, the law says parents will have cause to collect damages, attorney fees and court costs.
Parents may exempt their children by signing a nonconsent form. Making parents sign to get their children in the class angers Barry Chase with Planned Parenthood.
"This thing does not say that a parent must submit a request in writing to have their student attend. It says just the opposite," he said.
Rev. Dwight Montgomery agrees parents need to be more involved in how sex education is taught. "We talk about parental involvement so often. It is time for them to step up to the plate and put your name down there indicating you give permission."
Gwen Bruno, a Midtown parent, says the change "absolutely" means fewer students will get sex education.
"Everybody needs this," she said. "The ones already falling between the cracks are the ones that are going to be hurt. The cycle of poverty will continue with more unwanted children and pregnancies."
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