The debate over sex education in Ohio schools is surfacing again this fall like a sequel to a bad R-rated movie. People who do not want this brand of sex-ed in Ohio schools should do the same by urging a halt. Meanwhile, some of the same people at ODE have been working quietly, without legislative permission, on a statewide model that sets standards for health education in Ohio schools. In fact, a majority of state board members, who support such programs, rejected Ms. Fessler's report without reading it, keeping it out of the official record. Nonetheless, the report includes explicit descriptions and leads readers to original documents.
Abstinence usually is treated as a quaint and naive option among many.
It's common to have battles over sex education. But this isn't just a fight over condoms. At stake here are parents' rights to know about and influence what is taught to their children about sexuality. Parents should never be forced to pay for sex-ed that is harmful to children and arrogantly undermines family values. For now, the training money is awaiting hearings and the legislature's approval.