In January, Shen Parents Choice Coalition requested the Shenedehowa Board of Education adopt a parental notification policy for topics concerning sexuality. Sexuality goes beyond science and encompasses family values. Parents should know when it is taught and where they can access the material that will be presented. The school was asked to send an email to parents two weeks before the topic is covered.
The board denied the request and advised parents to access Shen's website for information about health classes. However, the website doesn't show the material given to students in class.
Also, health class is not the only venue where the topic of sexuality will be presented. The board recommended adolescent sexuality be taught in classes outside of health, and that sexuality be integrated into elementary grades. Consequently, our children can be taught about sexuality in any class and at any age without our knowledge.
Consider this event that occurred in mid-February from the perspective of a 14-year-old student:
Members of a school club visit your English class to teach about tolerance. Students are told to stand on one side of the room if they would support a friend that has decided to become transgender, and the other side if they would not. You have been taught to love and respect all people, but not to support behavior that contradicts your faith and values. You are asked to explain your position.
Does this exercise respect the diversity of values held by students or use peer pressure to create conformity? If the angry parents of this Shen student had been notified, they would have helped their child prepare a thoughtful answer rather than feel humiliated and confused.
An effective parental notification policy respects parents' role in the formation of values in their children. Without notification, it's indoctrination.
MAUREEN SILFER
Mechanicville