The Tulsa Public School District in Oklahoma paused biology classes for three weeks for all high school students and will instead offer a 12-module sex education curriculum.
According to school board member E'Lena Ashley, all students enrolled in biology classes "will not receive that instruction, but will receive sex education." Ashley noted that she wants parents to be notified that they have the opportunity to opt their children out of the program:
Many parents in the school district are not aware of the curriculum nor do they know how to opt out (...) We want parents to be notified that they have the opportunity to opt out of this sex education indoctrination.
Although Ashley reaffirmed the intention to respect the parents' decision, she urged them to be part of the program, assuring that it is the starting point for it to be successful.
"Do not replace parental instruction"
Positive Prevention is the name of the curriculum. According to its description, the purpose of the program is to be an "evidence-based program" that "provides students with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections" (STI), the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and unplanned pregnancy." According to the presentation posted on its website, the plan "is not intended to replace parental instruction."
The modules also include topics such as gender identity and expression, as well as anatomy and sexual orientation. Some lessons will teach about "bullying and abuse in relationships, human trafficking, and peer and media pressure."
Paul Zelenski, who has a son in seventh grade, told Fox News that he learned about the sex education curriculum while discussing an unrelated issue with a school counselor. He further commented that he was "very much in agreement" with 90% of the curriculum, but believes that topics such as gender identity and sexuality should not be introduced to young students.
