An author of Wisconsin’s new sex education curriculum is reacting strongly to a prosector’s warning that teachers who use it may face charges. State Representative Tamara Grigsby, calls a memo which Juneau County D.A. Scott Southworth sent to school districts in the county “completely irresponsible.” The Milwaukee Democrat calls Southworth’s assertion that teachers could be criminally charged if they teach sex ed “almost criminal.”
In the letter, Southworth stated that teachers could be criminally charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors if they teach sex-ed, and he advised school districts to drop sex ed, and teach anatomy in science classes. Grigsby says the new law, which does not require schools to teach sex ed, is about more than just contraception, and that students will be told that abstinence is the first and best way to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Governor Jim Doyle signed the sex ed bill (SB 324) in February. It requires schools that elect to teach sex ed to also tell students about birth control. Southworth said that will promote sexual activity, which is illegal for minors.
AUDIO: Rep. Tamara Grigsby (2:00 MP3) AUDIO: Rep. Tamara Grigsby (2:00 MP3)