With Regard to Senate Bill 656:

I totally support this proposed legislation ensuring that parents be accorded the opportunity to review any "explicit sex education materials" to determine if they are appropriate for their child and that parents be provided an alternative learning module should they request it. 

We must recognize that, as Americans, we live in a highly pluralistic society wherein public schools are the hallmark of our national education system. In this regard, it seems essential that public schools  respect the differing cultural, social, religious and moral traditions that characterize American families. 

In this context, it is also important to recognize the fundamental right of  parents, as the primary caregivers and protectors of their children, to be their children's primary teachers in matters of social interaction and intimate behavior. This includes determining what, how and when to discuss sex with their children according to the parents own beliefs and moral values.

For schools to assume the role of presenting "explicit sex education materials" to children without parental approval would present a direct conflict with the prerogative of the parents.

Providing an alternative learning module for children whose parents request it seems to be the only appropriate and logical solution to what would be otherwise a very untenable situation.