Fort Worth ISD approves new abstinence-focused sex-ed curriculum
FORT WORTH, Texas - Fort Worth ISD trustees approved a new sex-ed curriculum with a focus on abstinence.
Last month, the Special Health Advisory Committee recommended the sexual health education labeled "Choosing the Best," an abstinence-focused curriculum, to the board.
The committee reviewed vendors of curriculum that adhere to Texas law, which says if a school chooses to teach sex education, the curriculum is required to emphasize abstinence.
Before the meeting started, two groups protested outside the building expressing support for and against Tuesday’s vote on sex education.
The board heard heated comments on both sides of the issue.
Supporters argued the district needs some kind of sex education to keep students informed. But opponents said they don't trust the district to keep politics out of the curriculum.
"Sexual avoidance curriculum emphasizes healthier choices and presents information with the person’s best interest, as you heard over and over tonight," said Mary Smith, who is for the new curriculum. "Please adopt ‘Choosing the Best.’"
"I think we can all agree we want teens to make health decisions around their bodies. How we do this is the issue," said Judith Stemple, who is against the abstinence-based curriculum "The ‘Health Smart’ curriculum has already been purchased. And given the district’s current financial situation, it seems irresponsible to pay an additional $70,000 plus to purchase this curriculum that does the same thing we already have in an inferior way."
Last year, Fort Worth ISD suspended its previous curriculum known as "Health Smart" after backlash from parents and community members.
As speakers took the podium, the crowd raised signs showing support for and against the vote and made remarks to the comments.
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The disruptions reached a point when the board president stepped in and said people could be removed.
In the end, trustees voted unanimously in favor of the curriculum for students in sixth grade through high school.
The new curriculum will cost about $72,200, and the lessons will start in the spring.
Parents have the option to remove their students from the classes.