Follow Sex Ed Curriculum, Go to Jail?

On March 11, the state of Wisconsin instituted a new sex education law that requires schools to include information on birth control and sexually transmitted diseases in the state's comprehensive sex ed curriculum. Many might say this is a good move for a state with rates of teen pregnancy and STDs well above the national average. But not Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth.

In a letter sent to five school districts, Southworth said that the legislation “promotes the sexual assault of children,” exposes teachers to criminal liability, and forces schools to condone “controversial sexual behavior.” A requirement that instruction not promote bias against pupils of any sexual orientation or against sexually active pupils would “inject an intense amount of unnecessary politics” into classrooms, said Southworth, and conflict with religious belief.

Just how does teaching about contraception lead to the sexual assault of children? Southworth claims that learning about contraception leads to sexual activity (an age-old argument that doesn’t hold much water) and points out that “young adults engaging in sexual intercourse with teenage children” is illegal. It doesn’t take a legal scholar to tell us that statutory rape is against the law, but how exactly does one make the leap from learning that condoms can prevent pregnancy and STDs to rampant sexual assault?

Southworth offers this metaphor: “It is akin to teaching students about alcohol abuse, and then instructing them on how to make mixed alcoholic drinks.” Actually, it’s more like giving kids safety tips about not driving drunk, but who’s counting?

Southworth may have dispensed with logic once he passed the LSAT, but there is some concern that his claims could intimidate or frighten schools into inaction. However, his argument that teachers who adhere to the new curriculum could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor is pretty baseless; teaching the curriculum is, after all, in accordance with state law. Southworth might well consider heading back to school for a refresher. Who knows, he might learn something new.

Photo credit: Meddygarnet