Shaunna2010

HEARINGS ON OPT-IN FOR SEX EDUCATION Tuesday, October 13, 1:00 p.m., Conference Room A-1, State House.

Children in school districts across the state are still being given what some parents might consider inappropriate instruction in sexuality issues without parental permission or knowledge.

Currently the law allows parents to opt their children out of these programs, but this law is weak and flawed. Parents are either not notified or the classes are presented as being about safety, diversity, or tolerance. Parents should have to opt in to ensure they are informed of the classes and their content.

House Bill 437 is being introduced with bipartisan support. It would ensure parental notification, opportunity for parents to inspect the materials, and offer sex education only in clearly identified elective courses. Teachers and administrators would not be required to participate in such a class if it would violate their religious beliefs.

I urge you to write your representative in support of HB 437. Parents must have the ability to monitor and choose what their children are taught about so-called "social issues." As a mom, I want to teach my children with my morals and values, not those of the state of Massachusetts.

If you haven't been notified and educated about this bill from your current state representative, you have to wonder why.