We support sex education in school that follows the current policies as set forth in the Hawaii Revised Statues governing the parameters of sexual education in public schools.  We support parent approved age appropriate curricula by grade levels, and an opt-in participation option policy as currently being implemented by the DOE. In order to safeguard our innocent children, we ask that DOE policy be amended to ascertain that prior to middle school, or before the age of puberty, that children are not exposed to any sex ed curriculum.

 

 

 

 

Planned Parenthood proposes to REMOVE the opt-in provision for statewide DOE sex education curriculum.

 

 

 

Parents must have the right to opt-in to sex education curricula due to numerous controversial issues the DOE has faced in the past.  This opt-in procedure, policy, and practice will ensure that parents are properly informed, avoid controversy, and unnecessary burdens being placed on the BOE, DOE, and teachers.  It completely circumvents the potential for litigation. (Example: Pono Choices promoted unsafe sex practices, one in particular that could result in death.) Information on sex education must be forthright and clear to everyone involved.  

 

 

 

Planned Parenthood proposes comprehensive sex education for grades K-12.

 

 

 

Peer reviewed studies on the outcomes of comprehensive sex education as proposed by futureofsexed.org or Planned Parenthood demonstrate no decided benefits that are gained using this approach.  Therefore, changing from abstinence based to comprehensive sex education should require a public hearing, notice to all parents, and accurate data regarding WHY and HOW the change brings proven benefits. (facts, data, analysis of both, researcher credentials, etc.) Any changes should detail WHAT will be included in the proposed curricula (videos, pamphlets, handouts, and who will be developing it), HOW DOE/BOE proposes to train teachers (including resources, funding, and opt out provisions for teachers), WHEN this will happen, WHO did the research to conclude that this change benefits everyone. (BOE, board members, HSTA, Planned Parenthood, etc.).

Planned Parenthood's comprehensive sex education approach is under fire with major protests around the nation. We recommend that the BOE avoid such controversy, and DENY any proposals or requests by Planned Parenthood.