Sex Education

Archive Report

Controversy and Debate

Opposition on Moral and Other Grounds

Sex education is one of the most controversial issues in American public education. Recent opinion polls indicate that a large majority of Americans approve of teaching sex education in public schools.1 Yet such courses are mandatory only in New Jersey, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Even when sex education is provided in schools, birth control often is not discussed. Experts estimate that fewer than one-third of all U.S. public-school students are taking sex education courses that include instruction in contraception.

Unlike most school subjects, sex education deals with a sensitive, highly personal area of life — one that some parents believe should not be discussed in the classroom. These parents maintain that it is their responsibility — ...

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