CPS needs sex ed

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Schools should partner with Cincinnati Health Department

(Cincinnati) - Today, Green Party school board candidate Jason Haap documented that CPS does not have a district-wide and comprehensive sex education program.  “Comprehensive sex ed is a matter of public health,” said Haap.  “We have a responsibility to guarantee such a curriculum for the overall safety and health of our kids.”

After a few weeks of inquiry, Haap was informed today by CPS Director of Public Affairs Janet Walsh that individual schools may offer some kind of programming, but it does not follow any sort of district-wide standard.

“It’s ironic,” explained Haap.  “Everyone expects core teachers to maintain high standards, such as those published by the Ohio Department of Education.  But why don’t we expect similar standards in terms of sex education?  Public health should be a bigger priority in our schools.”

Haap points to Sangamon County in Illinois as an example of productive partnerships to promote sex ed.  “In Sangamon County, the public health department partnered with the schools, providing materials for free to area school districts.  I think it makes sense for public health experts to participate in this process.”

Currently, Postponing Sexual Involvement (an abstinence-only oriented program) is active in CPS through Children’s Hospital.  “It’s noteworthy that abstinence program details are easily accessible, but details on more comprehensive sex ed throughout the district remain opaque,” said Haap.  “I think it would be great if the Cincinnati Health Department would follow the lead of Sangamon County.”

Haap says he intends to communicate with the Cincinnati Health Department, along with Green Party Council candidate Anitra Brockman.  “We have a responsibility to educate our kids and work towards improved public health,” concluded Haap.