Posted on 06/21/2005 9:50:11 AM PDT by wmichgrad
GOODRICH - An in-class demonstration of how to put on a condom was the most controversial of the sex education curriculum recommendations approved by the Board of Education on Monday.
Sex education programs for eighth- and ninth-graders will include a demonstration by the teacher of how to properly put on a condom, using his or her fingers. Parents will have the option of opting their children out of the class altogether, or just the few days that include the condom demonstration.
"Middle school is critical, especially the year between eighth and ninth grade," said Al Craven, a school health specialist for the Genesee Intermediate School District who was a member of Goodrich's sex education committee.
"About one out of two of our students will have intercourse," he said. "It's definitely an abstinence-based program ... but it's always better to give too much information than too little."
A few parents protested, wearing lapel stickers to express their displeasure with the plan. The Rev. Jeff Stonerock, senior pastor of Victory World Outreach Center, suggested that the demonstration be dropped from the curriculum.
"We are here to oppose condom demonstration, not information," he said. "Demonstrations of how to put on a condom to 12- to 13-year-olds contradicts the message of abstinence. The curriculum contradicts itself, saying you should not have sex, but ... let us show you how."
But the Rev. Karl L. Zeigler of Goodrich United Methodist Church supported the entire program, including the demonstration.
"The introduction of condom demonstrations ... is something that students who are making decisions need to have presented to them," he said.
Sam Minkler, a 17-year-old Goodrich High School junior and student representative to the board, agreed that the demonstration is a good idea.
"I know parents think they know (what's going on)," she said. "Kids are going to do what they want to do. The demonstration would be better than having them ruin their life."
The board voted 6-1 in favor of the recommendations, with Trustee Timothy J. Zirnhelt the lone dissenting vote.
"I just think eighth grade is too young, especially if they're getting the demonstration in ninth grade," Zirnhelt said. "I just think we're taking away the parental responsibility."
I couldn't agree more. Condoms have always been one of the least effective means of birth control. It is a lie to tell kids that they'll be safe if they use condoms.
Sadly, there's a group of people who feel the world will be a better place when we are not so uptight about sex. A little sex is good for the soul. People should become sexually active at a young age and engage in sex frequently. The only problem with this idea is all I've seen it bring is a lot of pain and unhappiness. Hedonism doesn't make people happy; it makes them selfish and sad.
Moral Absolutes Ping. I don't know, I guess I'm just an old fuddy duddy, but it just seems that the parents in a community ought to be the ones who get to say what gets taught in a sex ed class in the school their kids go to.
And the official's comment that it's better to have "too much" info that not enough? Does that sound crazy to you too?
Freepmail me if you want on/off this pinglist.
I wondered the same thing reading the article. Very strange.
Is this supposed to make sense? What am I missing?
Well BF Goodrich started with latex. I guess they're going back to thier roots.
I guess there demonstarting every way to put on a condom...EEEEWWWWW!!!
But they do tend to chafe. lol
"And the official's comment that it's better to have "too much" info that not enough? Does that sound crazy to you too?"
Exactly.
Since "Too much" information is better than too little, why put condoms on fingers?
Why not just get some close up pornographic films with the actors wearing condoms and not, and show the full monty, with explanations. Why not bring in a stripper and have him actually put on a condom? Hell, why not have paid "trainers" perform intercourse on the desk in the classroom, if "too much" information is better than "not enough"? Hand out vibrators and manuals on self-love as "the safe alternative". There is no limit to perversity, and there is no limit to the uses logic can be put to justify it.
Example: gay sex - the safe alternative to heterosexual intercourse, because there's no risk of pregnancy!
Coming soon enough to a middle school sex ed. class near you, I guarantee it.
Well said.
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