Texas approves sex ed program omitting LGBTQ and consent education – By Shelby Stewart (Houston Chronicle) / Nov 20 2020
In the Texas State Board of Education’s first comprehensive amendment to their sexual education policy since 1997, the board made a decision that will effect how middle school students learn about sex, according to Aliyya Swaby at the Texas Tribune.
The changes to the policy will not include education on sexual orientation, gender identity or the concept of sexual consent.
The board heard from advocacy groups and educators on forthcoming changes to protocol. The 15-member, Republican-controlled body took a preliminary vote Wednesday to overhaul the minimum standards for what Texas students learn about health and sex, a process that has taken more than a year, the Tribune reported.
In September the board gave preliminary approval to include birth control in the program but leave education about sexual orientation out of it.
On Wednesday, the board held a lengthy debate surrounding whether or not to include lessons on consent, gender identity and sexual orientation. Much of the conversation was centered around language.
