Pittsburgh Public Schools has updated its sexuality education policy for the first time in over a decade. Although the revision emphasizes that abstinence is the only 100% effective protection against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, abstinence is no longer listed as an “expected norm”.

The previous policy, last revised in July 2011, listed abstinence as an expected norm and included language about promoting a healthy understanding of sexuality. The policy defined its approach as inclusive, but made no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The updated policy, which the Board unanimously approved at its meeting on Wednesday, defines the parameters of sex education to include consent, anatomy, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation and identity, sexual health, and interpersonal violence. Enlarge.

District administrators call its curriculum comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive, anti-racist, and culturally responsive.

This policy is for students from kindergarten through graduation. According to the district, the curriculum is taught according to the developmental level of the students. For example, elementary school students take physical education classes all year round. In the lower grades, teachers may not discuss gender, but rather the basic composition of the body and the identification of personal space with that of others.

A group of organizations and students working together as the Black Girls Equity Alliance provided important feedback as the Board’s Policy Committee made changes. This alliance includes members of the Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, Family Planning, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Health. Members endorsed the revised policy at the board’s monthly hearing on Tuesday.

Sydney Etheridge, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, told the board of directors that the policy should be used as a means to help students make informed decisions about sexual health without shame or prejudice. I said I would support the update.

“By starting these conversations early with a responsible educator who is teaching an age-appropriate curriculum, students will develop understanding and respect for themselves and others before they even think about becoming sexually active. “And if they choose to take that step, they can proceed responsibly and safely by including comprehensive sex education in their schools.” acquire the knowledge to

Etheridge said Western Pennsylvania has been a leader in recent months in “protecting access to sexual and reproductive health care.”

“I see this policy as an extension of these practices and hope it can provide an example for other school districts considering the sex education and health of their students at this critical time,” she said. rice field.

Melissa Moore, counselor and supervisor at the Child and Family Counseling Center at Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, told the board it was important to remove abstinence as an “expected norm” from policy. rice field.

“PAAR suggests that abstinence being taught as an expected norm gives sex a negative connotation and may contribute to further shame and guilt experienced by survivors of sexual abuse. I think

Ryan Eldridge, the district’s health, physical education, and wellness coordinator, said the district used the results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risks Survey that PPS students underwent in the spring of 2019.

Survey results show that students in the district are ahead of the national average when it comes to the average age at which students become sexually active. At a policy workshop in August, Mr. Eldridge told the board that the data has made school districts prioritize solid education in the early grades.

According to Eldridge, students report having fewer sexual partners than state and federal averages.

As always, parents and guardians have the option to opt their students out of sex education. Students can be excluded from courses and parents can teach the curriculum at home.

The policy was implemented immediately after Wednesday’s vote.