Fairfax County school board debates mixing genders in 4th-8th grade sex education classes
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — An anticipated controversial topic came up during the public comment portion of Thursday’s Fairfax County school board meeting
“FLE is a health class. It teaches students about their own health and the health of others," said Willow Woycke, president of the Transgender Education Association.
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FLE stands for Family Life Education. Also known as, based on your age, health class, or sex education.
Presently, students in grades 4-8 learn about things like puberty, sexually transmitted diseases, and how reproductive systems work separately based on gender.
An advisory committee recently approved a plan to mix boys and girls in grades 4-8 during Family Life Education instruction; a practice that is done in some area school systems but not in others.
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“Sexual health is not about the act of sex. It is about staying healthy and keeping yourself and those you love healthy," Woycke added.
Woycke testified in support of mixing genders in FLE while simultaneously presenting both side of this issue.
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“The main criticism is that it makes students uncomfortable. We have to ask ourselves, 'why are students uncomfortable learning about their bodies?' People who are afraid of FLE have the option to opt their children out," Woycke said. People who are afraid of FLE will always criticize what’s taught. No matter what is taught in FLE or how it’s taught, there are people who will object and will claim that the schools are teaching sex to children.”
Board members are expected to discuss mixing-genders in Family Life Education classes as early as June.
You can watch the full public comment section here. Warning, there is strong language used at times.
