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In September, DCPS made the decision to ‘start from scratch’ in creating lessons about sex education and reproductive health for students.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval County School Board voted 5-2 to approve a new sex education curriculum that will be compliant with state standards during a meeting Tuesday
In September, DCPS made the decision to ‘start from scratch’ in creating lessons about sex education and reproductive health for students because the previous curriculum was didn’t meet new state laws.
In Florida, public schools are now required to get public input on sex-education curricula every year under a 2021 state law, according to Jax Today.
“Starting from scratch and adhering to the boundaries of Florida Statute will be a far easier task than trying to modify or find existing publisher materials that may or may not meet Florida’s standards,” Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene previously told First Coast News.
Dozens of people spoke during the public comment section of the meeting that were either in agreement or disapproved of the changes being made.
Some said that the new curriculum was too broad and didn’t cover enough topics related specifically to LGBTQ issues.
The Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN) made a plea on Facebook for supporters of its mission to attend Tuesday’s meeting to ensure “Duval County provides a safe and inclusive environment for ALL students.”
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JASMYN is asked attendees to share a personal JASMYN story of support or impact and told supporters to “let the School Board know you want the Essential Voices Collection back on the shelves.”
The Essential Voices collection features characters representing a variety of ethnicities, religious affiliations and gender identities.
Other speakers at Tuesday’s meeting said topics concerning sexual and gender identity should stay out of the classroom altogether.
This comes a week after DCPS ended their partnership with JASMYN after more than two decades.
DCPS Superintendent Diana Greene said the district terminated its agreement with JASMYN because of “inappropriate” program materials. Greene said that this decision does not “impair” the district’s commitment to LBGTQ+ students and faculty.
