The author of Wisconsin’s law setting statewide curriculum standards for sex ed classes is defending her work. Representative Tamara Grigsby of Milwaukee authored the Healthy Youth Act. It sets statewide standards for human growth and development curriculum. Grigsby said districts are not mandated to offer such classes, but those which do must offer medically accurate, age appropriate curriculum which focuses on core elements which are proven to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
But legislation now being proposed would allow local school boards to write their own curriculum standards. Grigsby testified Wednesday against the measure being offered by New Berlin Republican Senator Mary Lazich. “Are we seriously calling this the Strong Communities Healthy Kids Act? We’re looking at partisan politics here, and radical agendas.” The proposed legislation from Lazich would allow local school boards to write their own curriculum standards. The Healthy Youth Act was signed into law by then Governor Jim Doyle in early 2010. The bill from Lazich received a public hearing in a crowded room at the Capitol on Wednesday.