Abortion is presented as morally wrong and physically and emotionally dangerous. Material on contraception, sexually transmitted disease, and sexual orientation has been razored out of textbooks. Articles about sexuality have been censored in the student press. Teachers have been warned against talking about certain topics, and cannot answer students' questions fully or candidly. Some have been disciplined or threatened with lawsuits for speaking frankly about sexual matters.
Many teachers understandably avoid discussing sexuality at all.
Like efforts to discourage the teaching of evolution, abstinence-only education is promoted by religious groups and individuals in an attempt to impose their own beliefs on all students in public schools. Parents may be unaware that their children are being indoctrinated into beliefs to which they do not subscribe and which are presented as facts. The Constitution forbids the promotion or preference of any religious perspective in a public institution, and public schools must address the educational needs of all students. Abstinence-Only Education Silences Speech about Sexual Orientation. Abstinence-only education excludes information and discussion about gay and lesbian sexuality.