A Florida school district voted to approve a controversial sex education curriculum that opposes the terms “male” and “female” after a debate this week that was so heated it led to the arrest of a local advocate .
The Broward County School Board approved proposed K-12 guidelines Tuesday night by a narrow 5-4 margin after tense exchanges between supporters and opponents.
Debbie Espinoza, a member of a local advisory council, was escorted from the meeting and arrested for allegedly shoving a police officer after a confrontation with conservative activist Deirdre Ruth.
Supporters at the meeting praised the curriculum as comprehensive and “inclusive” help for students on a range of topics, from gender identity to reproduction and sexually transmitted diseases.
But others criticized elements of the platform that they said pushed the boundaries of appropriate speech in public schools and potentially violated state law.
In one section, the document advises teachers not to use the terms “male” and “female” and opt for “cisgender.”
Debbie Espinoza was arrested for allegedly shoving a police officer after arguing with a conservative activist. NBC 6 Miami
“You may commonly hear people refer to simply being ‘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 kindergarteners titled “Understanding Our Bodies: The Basics” states that “there are some body parts that mostly only girls have and others that mostly only boys have.”
Other sections for high school students describe proper condom use for vaginal and anal sex, and the health risks that accompany different types of sexual activity.
Debbie Espinoza was escorted out of the meeting after arguing with speaker Deirdre Ruth.WSVN 7 News Miami
“It is unfortunate that five board members supported a curriculum with inappropriate material that should be presented at home between a child and their parents,” board member Torey Alston told Florida’s Voice.
“Trying to challenge science in terms of the Y chromosome and the X chromosome that biologically define our children is a mistake,” one speaker said during the meeting in Fort Lauderdale.
A district parent named Marta questioned how the curriculum would be presented to students.
Deirdre Ruth opposed Broward County’s proposed sex education curriculum.WSVN 7 News Miami
“Many parents are concerned about how this information will be administered to our children and who will determine the content,” she told the board.
Ruth complained that the district released the more than 1,200-page document on Friday, giving parents only three days to review it before Tuesday’s meeting.
He also questioned the introduction of materials on anal sex starting in seventh grade.
The board approved the 5-4 curriculum.NBC 6 Miami
But other parents supported the curriculum, arguing that students benefited from the subject, especially as they advanced to higher grades.
“It is important for students to learn about aspects such as consent, hygiene, gender, [sexually transmitted infection] prevention and healthy relationships,” said another speaker, adding that sex education can help prevent grooming and unwanted pregnancies.
Another parent claimed the guidelines fall within the bounds of Florida laws, some of which restrict discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity from kindergarten through third grade.
The curriculum will now go to the Florida Department of Education for final approval.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn