Candidates' Positions on Sex Ed

This week's Gazette published candidates' answers to a number of questions, including one about the sex education curriculum.

Here, without comment, are Montgomery County, Maryland, school board candidates' responses to the question: Should the school system's health curriculum include discussions of homosexuality and demonstrations of contraception use?

SHIRLEY BRANDMAN, AT-LARGE

The school system should provide responsible, age-appropriate sex education with the option for families to elect participation in accordance with their beliefs. If we truly want students to grow up informed and ready to make choices that keep them safe and healthy, we must provide a curriculum that is comprehensive and medically accurate. Discussion of sexual orientation and homosexuality should be included. We know that combating prejudice and bullying targeted at students who are ''different" by virtue of being gay requires education. By including information about sexual orientation in the health curriculum, we will foster an environment of greater tolerance in our schools.

Similarly, the video demonstration of condom use should be included in a comprehensive curriculum. Condoms are the only form of birth control that can prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The number one reason for condom failure is improper use. In 2004, at the request of health teachers, MCPS piloted a condom use demonstration video in three high schools, designed to present information in a way that would hold students' attention. The response was overwhelmingly positive. If we are serious about protecting our students' health and giving them access to information about how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, HIV AIDS and unintended pregnancies, we should include the demonstration in our instruction.

TOMMY LE, AT-LARGE

No, the public tax money is use to provide the student with education of sciences, math, English and other academic-related subjects. The discussions of homosexuality and demonstrations of contraception use are part of parental guidance and family value retention responsibility and should be no part of our public school curriculum.

ARQUILLA RIDGELL, AT-LARGE

I think that the parents should be the final decision makers in the area of sex education. I think that we are in an age where schools can create a ''customized" sex education curriculum. I am a believer in developing non-traditional means to achieve an end result. In the 21st century , we have VCR's, DVD players, IPODs, ect.... You could have a sex education program that is ''video-teleconferenced" (where parents could be a part of the sex education classes if they choose to.

DANA EUGENE GASSAWAY, AT-LARGE

Responses not available

JOHN HORAN LATHAM, AT-LARGE

Responses not available

JUDITH DOCCA, DISTRICT 1

The health curriculum should be comprehensive and fact based.

MICHAEL IBANEZ, DISTRICT 1

Parents are in the best position to decide what their children will learn about health, sex, sexuality, homosexuality, alternative lifestyles, abstinence, contraception and other components of the county's health curriculum. Some parents have decided that discussion about homosexuality and demonstrations on the use of contraception is appropriate for their child; while other parents have decided these discussions and demonstrations conflict with their religious and moral values that they teach at home.

Unfortunately, parents in effect have only one choice - to opt in or opt out their children in these discussions and demonstrations. Children, whose parents choose to opt out, are relegated to the library or some other ''holding classroom" until they are allowed to return to health class. The BoE should change this policy by giving parents the additional choice of opting in their children into health classes that teach the values and morals that are consistent with the values and morals they teach their children at home.

MCPS sets high standards for students in math, science, English, social studies, visual and performing arts, athletics, reading, literature, history, in all areas of the curriculum except one - health education. MCPS has watered down the health curriculum to the lowest expectations of our children. Our children deserve better.

PATRICIA O'NEILL, DISTRICT 3

I strongly support the planned revisions to the health education curriculum, to include discussions about homosexuality in grades 8 and 10 and a condom demonstration video in grade 10. Parents will have the opportunity to preview the curriculum and will still be required to sign a permission form to allow their children participate. I support 21st century health education for our students.

PHIL KAUFFMAN, DISTRICT 5

I support a comprehensive health curriculum. I foresee my role as a BOE member to listen to the recommendations of the community advisory panel that is currently reviewing proposed curriculum changes. It is likely that if the panel recommends a proposal that includes discussions of homosexuality and demonstrations of contraception use, I will be supportive.

NANCY NAVARRO, DISTRICT 5

Yes.

SUSIE WERNER SCOFIELD, DISTRICT 5

Homosexuality and contraception use are a part of society and the facts about both should be taught in a responsible and unbiased manner that demonstrates respect, responsibility and abstinence. Many students and their families in Montgomery County don't wish to participate in such discussions and this point of view should be accommodated by having a strong, meaningful alternative to those who do not opt in to the health curriculum that includes these topics.