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Local Citizens Stand to Protect Students

Comprehensive sex education developed by Planned Parenthood was moving into nine middle schools in Cumberland County recently until a small group of concerned citizens came onto the scene and spoke up in opposition.

The Cumberland County Board of Education last year approved partnering with NC Youth Connected (NCYC) to implement the program, Get Real: Comprehensive Sex Education That Works, a sex ed curriculum developed by Planned Parenthood. The project would focus on Onslow and Cumberland Counties and is funded by the federal Office of Adolescent Health. Behind it all is a group called SHIFT NC, a statewide organization endorsed by Planned Parenthood that receives millions of dollars annually in federal funding.

When parents, teachers, and other citizens learned about objectionable content in the Get Realcurriculum, they came together and asked for a meeting with county officials to share concerns. According to news reports and other community activists present, hundreds came to the meeting, with many voicing opposition to the content of the curriculum.

The Massachusetts Family Institute conducted an in-depth analysis of the Get Real curriculum, and uncovered subject matter that should give any parent cause for great concern. The following is the organization’s analysis of a Get Real workbook designed for 7th graders:

  • “List of ‘Dating Behaviors’ includes: ‘touching a partner under clothes’ and ‘having sex’ (p. 21: Activity 7.5).”
  • “Explains that condoms can be obtained from the school nurse; explains in sexually explicit terms how to use a dental dam (p. 36-37: Protection Methods Chart).”
  • “Relates story of child telling his parents he is gay. Infers that anyone who disapproves of homosexual behavior is ‘against homosexuals’ and is ‘cruel.’ (p. 13: Activity 7.3).”

Because engaged citizens were willing to express concerns at the meeting and continue working with county officials afterwards, the Cumberland County Board of Education put the curriculum on “hold” to review.

In 2016, the Onslow County Board of Education entered into a similar partnership with NC Youth Connected, but the project was halted after citizens in Onslow County objected. You can learn more about what transpired in Onslow County by reading or listening to the interview with Dr. Joe Werrell on our Family Policy Matters radio show and podcast.

According to North Carolina law, parents have rights when it comes to sex education:

  • You have the right to review all sex ed curriculum at least 60 days prior to use.
  • You have the right to opt your children out of sex education instruction.

As we watch forces eroding our fundamental values, it is tempting to go into “retreat mode” by hiding from the world. Edmund Burke penned the words: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Thankfully, the good men and women in Cumberland and Onslow Counties did not “do nothing.” Regardless of the final outcome, these leaders offer us great inspiration to be voices for Truth.

When facing similar battles in our communities, remember that you too can have an influence, despite what the odds may be. Galatians 6:9 offers great encouragement to press on: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

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