I strongly opposed the bill SB656 which seeks to keep the vague "sexually explicit" content from public school education. The premise of this bill is a paper tiger. In what classrooms are students being face with "sexually explicit" information? Education that addresses gender, sex, or even sex education, is important for the health and well-being of our children. This content is not "explicit."
It is a slippery slope to start censorship in our education system. Public education is for all, and needs to be an open space where teachers and kids can learn and not be fettered by politicians and what they decide is applicable to learning.
It seems clear that this law has the potential of eliminating discussions of race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, and how they intersect in the teaching of history, literature, and health in our schools. I am ashamed that my Virginia legislators are considering a law that is so repressive and backwards.
I do not support this law!
-Kristin
Faber, VA