'Explicit' sex education lesson at center of Croton-on-Hudson school board meeting

It all stems from a recent classroom exercise in which some students were asked to list words they've heard related to sexual activity.

News 12 Staff

Jun 17, 2022, 12:14 AM

Updated 845 days ago

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A health education class that some parents called "too explicit" took center stage Thursday night at a school board meeting in Croton-on-Hudson.
It all stems from a recent classroom exercise in which some students were asked to list words they've heard related to sexual activity.
School officials say the lessons are part of its health curriculum developed years ago after an off-campus sexual assault.
Plenty of parents and teachers turned out in force with their own opinions on the controversial class.
The school board meeting was marked by rousing applause and cheers in an overwhelming support of the sex education class taught to ninth graders at Croton-Harmon High School.
As part of the lesson, students were asked to anonymously submit words or phrases they've heard or used to describe sexual activity.
Some residents, however, said they were outraged by the concept, saying they would never let teachers discuss sex topics with their children.
Students at the meeting said they felt enlightened by the lesson that taught that harmful and vulgar terms should not be used in conversations about sex. They added that it's important to address topics of sex, even if they make others uncomfortable.
A decision was not made into the future of the sex education class. Officials say the meeting was planned to address the concerns from parents and let their voices be heard.