Bill that could start sex ed as early as kindergarten draws support, criticism
Darren Iozia, Journal-Courier
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Proposed legislation could require Illinois students receive courses that cover aspects of sex education starting in elementary school.Commercial Eye
Legislation that would require some sex education classes for Illinois students from kindergarten through high school is finding support and criticism.
The Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health Act or REACH would require courses cover all aspects of sex education from identifying trustworthy people to understanding sexually transmitted diseases.
The proposal is awaiting a vote by legislators.
West-central Illinois teacher Erin Studer agrees with the premise but wants to make sure the proper curriculum is available and that what is being taught at each grade level is thoroughly explained.
Normal, IL, USA / www.cities929.com
Feb 2, 2021 3:40 PM
(The Center Square) Students as young as kindergarten in Illinois public schools would get some form of sexual education under a proposal supported by Planned Parenthood.
The Pro-Family Alliance said it goes too far. Planned Parenthood disagrees.
If passed into law, the Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health, or REACH Act would start sex ed in kindergarten through second grade with lessons on personal safety and respecting others. Grades 3-5 would cover anatomy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Grades 6-12 would build upon that and include benefits of abstinence, birth control and prevention of STDs.
Illinois Democrats push for K-12 sex education wgem.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wgem.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sexual health education could soon be mandatory in Illinois public schools under reintroduced legislation from Democrats in the General Assembly.
If passed, the Responsible Education for Adolescent and Children’s Health Act, or the REACH Act, would bring the state in line with 30 others that already require sex ed.
State Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) is a sponsor of the bill. He said a proliferation of reporting on child sex abuse, sexual harassment, and bullying of people of color and LGBTQ+ people makes the legislation necessary for Illinois children.
“I view it as it’s an overburden not to do this, because we will end up in a situation where we have kids being taught the wrong thing or seeing something on the news and taking that and making an assumption,” said Villivalam. “Now more than ever, they need medically and factually accurate information, as well as a safe environment to develop the skills they need to navigate our modern world.”