CMS leaders propose changes to health education curriculum

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For years, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students have been taught the same health education curriculum.

Some of those subjects range anywhere from basic nutrition to sex education.

A Myers Park High School senior said the program is outdated and proposed the word “marriage” be removed when talking about abstinence.

Fabiola Cruz said the decade-old policy is not working and spoke in front of CMS Policy Committee Thursday.

[ALSO READ: CMS sex-ed curriculum causes stir]

“I’ve seen pregnant girls come to school,” Cruz said. “I’ve seen the way people treat them, the way their lives change, the way they drop out. They don’t want an education anymore.”

Instead of “marriage,” Cruz, who works with the School Health Advisory Council, recommended “adulthood” be used when discussing safe sex and abstinence.

However, board members rejected it because that language goes against a new state statute.

“I was a little disappointed at first,” Cruz said.

There are still other proposed instruction changes on the plate.

The district also wants to “provide opportunities that allow interaction between parent/guardian and student.”

Part of the new instruction could include teaching about sexually transmitted diseases and “the effectiveness and safety of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy.”

Another proposed change would allow students to be taught about awareness of sexual assault, sexual abuse and risk reduction.

“I think it’s a great idea,” parent Angel Lane said. “I think we both talk to our children about what’s going on in the world, definitely human trafficking. My niece lives with me and she is overly concerned with that. I think the more educated our kids are, the better they will be.”

The policy will be presented in a first reading during the next CMS School Board meeting.

“Sexual activity is a big part when you’re an adult,” Cruz said. “You should know what to do. School should prepare you as an adult when you go into (adulthood). You shouldn’t have to Google what to do. You should know it.”

There will be an opportunity for parents to weigh in before the board takes a vote.

Cruz said she is working with lawmakers to make a change on the state level. Health education is a part of all CMS schools.

Parents do have the option to opt their child out of the class.

Parents upset over sex ed program Parents upset over sex ed program

© 2020 Cox Media Group