Opponents Push For Abstinence-Only Option In NYC Sex Ed Curriculum
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Sex education is returning to New York City, but not everyone is happy with the curriculum.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb On The Story
Podcast
Citing concerns over abortion and out-of-wedlock births, opponents of the current public school sex education program -- including the Chiaroscuro Foundation's Greg Pfundstein -- want parents to have a more conservative choice for their kids.
"We are not asking the city to stop offering sex education. We are asking the city to offer medically-accurate, evidence-based, abstinence-centered education as an alternative for parents who prefer it," said Pfundstein.
Pfundstein went on to say that many parents represented by the foundation believe that children may be getting the wrong message from certain provisions in the sex ed curriculum.
"When you tell kids 'you should be abstinent, but if you're not abstinent, here's how you use a condom, here's where you get contraception.' It gives something of a wink and a nod to sexual activity," Pfundstein said.
The Rev. Michael Faulkner was blunt about the new curriculum, saying "listen, the kind of program was introduced in our schools twenty years ago. It has been a dismal failure."
1010 WINS' Stan Brooks Hears From Greg Pfundstein
Podcast
Faulkner says kids in his congregation want to know how to say no.
Starting in the spring, kids as young as 11 will be learning about the birds and bees, even how to use condoms. It is the first time in twenty years that sex ed will be taught in New York City public school classrooms.
Opponents said they agree with the program's goals, but insist parents should have the abstinence-only alternative rather than have their kids learn about condoms and other contraceptives.
What do you think should be in New York City's sex ed curriculum? Sound off in the comments section below!
