[OPINION] Schools Must Stop Sex Ed … And More

An “06880” reader believes Westport’s approach to sex education — and related activities — is too much, too soon.

She requests anonymity, due to the sensitive nature of her concerns. She writes:

I know I may be in the minority. But I also know I speak for many more parents than myself. I think there is too much sex in our schools.

I did not grow up here. But my sex education came from my parents, not my teachers. When I was 16, my mother gave me a book: “What’s Happening to My Body?”

My boyfriend and I had already been fooling around a bit (I will leave the dirty parts to your imagination). But the book made many good points. And although they were embarrassing to look at, the pictures were good too.

My mother said I could ask her any questions, any time. I never did, but just knowing I could go to her was comforting.

The point is: School is for education. It’s where children learn to read and write and add. (They should also learn about the right kind of history, not the kind that says America is evil, but that’s a different subject.)

School is not for sex education. That is the job of parents, and priests.

I know I may rub some people the wrong way, but I also would like to see the end of proms at Staples High School.

I understand they are a “rite of passage.” But they should not be a “right to have sex.” I have 4 children in high school, and they tell me that sometimes after prom, there are parties where boys and girls “do it.”

Perhaps there could be an after-school activity (during the afternoon) to celebrate graduation. But proms are an invitation for children to have too much fun.

Finally, I would like to see the end of co-ed physical education. I think it is a bad idea for children to wear gym clothes around members of the other sex, while they play games.

At Staples, boys and girls even take swimming lessons together. I cannot imagine what they think and talk about as they go into their separate locker rooms (hopefully).

I have written a petition to the Board of Education, asking them to rethink their position on sex education, and other sex-related activities. You can add your comments to it (and see that many people agree with me) by clicking here.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

(“06880” is committed to giving a voice to all Westporters. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)