Wis. prosecutor: Teachers risk arrest over new sex-ed classes

[pauldun170]

Wis. prosecutor: Teachers risk arrest over new sex-ed classes
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A Wisconsin district attorney has warned schools in his county that if they proceed with new state sex-education courses, teachers could face criminal charges for encouraging minors to have sex, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Juneau County District Attorney Scott Southworth said a new state law that requires students learn to use condoms and other contraceptives "promotes the sexualization — and sexual assault — of our children." In his March 24 letter to five school districts, Southworth, a Republican, said teachers could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of minors. He urged school officials to suspend the program, which takes effect in the fall, and transfer the anatomy curriculum to a science course.

Here are a couple of excerpts from his letter:

"If a teacher instructs any student aged 16 or younger how to utilize contraceptives under circumstances where the teacher knows the child is engaging in sexual activity with another child -- or even where the 'natural and probable consequences' of the teacher's instruction is to cause that child to engage in sexual intercourse with a child -- that teacher can be charged under this statute" of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. ...

"Forcing our schools to instruct children on how to utilize contraceptives encourages our children to engage in sexual behavior, whether as a victim or an offender," he wrote. "It is akin to teaching children about alcohol use, then instructing them on how to make mixed alcoholic drinks."

He said in an interview with the Journal Sentinel that he could not say how likely he would be to file charges, saying it would depend on the specifics of any case.

"I'm not looking to charge any teachers," he said. "I've got enough work to do."

The paper spoke to a co-author of the legislation. She called the DA's letter "irresponsible" and said it was "laughable to think teachers could be charged for telling students how to use contraception."

"Using condoms isn't a crime for anyone," said Rep. Kelda Helen Roys, D-Madison. "This guy is not a credible legal source on this matter, I'm sorry to say. His purpose is to intimidate and create enough panic in the minds of school administrators that they'll turn their backs on young people and their families."

The new law continues to let parents remove their children from sex-ed classes, and schools can also not offer such instruction. One district that received the letter said it had not taught sex ed for years.

(Posted by Michael Winter)
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/04/wisconsin-da-says-teachers-face-arrest-over-new-sex-ed-classes/1

[karl_1052]

I wonder what the teenage pregnancy rate is in that county.

[sherri_chickie]

Back to the dark ages... that is ridiculous! I have to teach sex ed this term and although I am not exactly looking forward to it, I do look forward to being able to clear up any misconceptions the kids have. If I can prevent one teen pregnancy by clarifying a myth or giving some info, I will have done my job well.

[Rangerscott]

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

[Papa_Complex]

Instructing teens on the proper use of condoms encourages them to have sex, just like giving away clean needles makes people take up heroine :skep:

[sherri_chickie]

Instructing teens on the proper use of condoms encourages them to have sex, just like giving away clean needles makes people take up heroine :skep:

This!!!

[pauldun170]

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

:lol:

[wildchild]

I wonder what the teenage pregnancy rate is in that county.

Let's just say it's not one of our shining examples of great life counties.

we sure do make the news a lot lately. at least we didn't make the list for most dangerous yet though. I guess they'll keep trying.

[Apoc]

For fuck sakes. Seriously, its time for people to pull their heads out of their ass, and step out of the fucking dark ages!


I cant understand how teaching kids to have safe sex is a fucking crime! People need to get over themselves. Teens have sex. Teens have always had sex. At least this isnt a problem up here.

American Conservatives really need to step into reality, and stop trying to make the bible their main source of guidance regarding sex and lifestyle.

[Smittie61984]

Condoms get you pregnant. Watch out.

That's why I prefer safer methods like Pull-n-Pray. It has the benefit of birth control and religion.

I don't think the sex-ed shit should be taught in school. Not because of religion but because it's a waste of education. Let the parents do what parents are suppose to do and parent their own damn kid. If they want to tell their kids that God kills a kitten everytime you use a condom then fine. But let the schools do what they do best and teach your kids how to read (such as reading the instructions that come with the condom), write (such as an apology for trying to sneak it into your ass), and add (for example the costs of raising a kid). Parents can do what they do best (and are suppose to do), and raise their kids to their moral standards.

That seems like a simple solution to me.

[BobTheBiker]

Sadly, parents actually fucking doing THEIR jobs and not expecting the schools, or the internet to do it just wont happen.

hell, kids as young as 8 are having sex, it'd at LEAST be smart to teach them how to SAFELY do it, rather than just having your little girl come to you at 13 saying daddy I'm pregnant and wonder how the fuck it happened.

people really do need to get over it and just realize teaching about SAFE sex is important if we're ever gonna get the number of teenage parents under control. although teaching kids how to read write and add would be a good idea too. kids are damned expensive. I was one once, and damn was I pricey.

[Apoc]

The problem with the parent/child sex talks, is that both parties are usually very, very uncomfortable about it, the right questions dont get asked, and both parties walk away confused.

Its much less embarassing for kids in a classroom situation, with a trained educator, then it is at home with mom and dad.

[Homeslice]

Only about 10% of parents are actually good parents, therefore certain things need to be taken out of their hands and given to state control to make sure they're accomplished.

This District Attorney is probably bucking for a better job, and trying to portray himself as the family values guy

[sherri_chickie]

In my classroom I am going to put a box. Hand out a piece of paper to everyone, everyone has to write SOMETHING on their paper and put it in the box, whether it be a question or just " hi" That way nobody will know who asked a question they may be embarassed to openly ask. Usually if one kid is wondering something there are several others with the same question too embarassed to ask. You can't do that with your parents..

[BobTheBiker]

creative approach. anonymous, but the questions are addressed.

[Kaneman]

Sex Ed should not be something that is left to parents to teach. All the ins and outs of sex should be taught in a direct and non-biased manner as soon as children are able to understand it.

The fear of sex in America is a really lame fucking joke at this point....yet it just goes on.

[Smittie61984]

Sex Ed should not be something that is left to parents to teach. All the ins and outs of sex should be taught in a direct and non-biased manner as soon as children are able to understand it.


I think the most that the school systems should "educate" on sex is what you learn in an anatomy. That is the only way it can be unbiased. You stick your penis in a vagina, unload some semen into the vagina, and if everything is working right you have a baby. If semen doesn't enter the vagina then the female doesn't get pregnant.

Just because parents suck at parenting doesn't mean we should reward their dumbass behavior by making someone else do it. Also this is where private schools are still a win over government ran institutions. YOU as the parent can decide to put your child in a school that teaches what they want about the morals of sex.

I never understood why people are so afraid of choices.

[Papa_Complex]

Keep it to a strictly anatomical level and you'll create a desire to try things out, without equipping them with the means to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

[Smittie61984]

Keep it to a strictly anatomical level and you'll create a desire to try things out, without equipping them with the means to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

You're right. Teenagers don't have sex until they have an Anatomy and Physiology class. That explains the high pregnancy rate at John Hopkins.

[Papa_Complex]

You're right. Teenagers don't have sex until they have an Anatomy and Physiology class. That explains the high pregnancy rate at John Hopkins.

Keep going there Smittie. You're really supporting your argument that anything more than basic anatomy shouldn't be handled in school.

[Avatard]

You stick your penis in a vagina, unload some semen into the vagina, and if everything is working right you have a baby.

This may be the deepest level of understanding of any knowledge Smittie has expressed on this forum to date.

I knew there was SOMETHING he understood, and it was only a matter of time before he would share his knowledge with the world.

[101lifts2]

This may be the deepest level of understanding of any knowledge Smittie has expressed on this forum to date.

I knew there was SOMETHING he understood, and it was only a matter of time before he would share his knowledge with the world.

Nigga please.

I agree with Smitte that we should teach sexual Anatomy only with regards to any sexual related course. It is not the school's job to teach kids safe sex, but rather the parents. There is still too much diversity in religon to allow a class as such to continue.

[101lifts2]

Keep it to a strictly anatomical level and you'll create a desire to try things out, without equipping them with the means to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Actually if you teach about it, kids will be more interested in trying it out. But moreso, it is function of peer pressure at the teenage years.

[Avatard]

Well, it's pretty obvious that if you demonstrate how to get pregnant, you should demonstrate how NOT to get pregnant - and if you wanna keep it really unbiased, you simply list the methods; abstinence, withdrawl, and contraception, and list their levels of efficacy.

I think if you wanna get technical, the increased efficacy of abstinence should make it the obvious choice for anyone looking to truly avoid pregnancy, as it's the only one that offers 100% efficacy against pregnancy (unless, of course, you're a biblical figure).

Why can't we just present the facts like that?

Why must we regress to the dark ages? MOST of us aren't as fearful and exclusionary of the rest of the world as Smittie, and actually want our kids properly educated.

[Kaneman]

Safe sex is part of having sex and should be taught right along with the anatomy of it. Along with the truth about STDs, and so on and so forth. This is not controversial stuff people. The absolute vast majority of humans will have sex at some point in their life. Totally not a big deal.

101, you seem to underestimate how much teenagers already want to try it out. In fact, I would argue that you could not possibly make kids want to have sex anymore than they already do.

Teenagers are dumb, sure....but they know that sex fucking rocks....so you better make sure they know what to do with that reservoir tip.

If you're an idiot and don't want your kid to learn about safe sex, then you should be able to opt out. But ONLY if you also have the right to let your kid opt out of Math, Science or Social Studies. Sex ed should be no different than anything else in school.

BTW, I feel the same about religion too.... I strongly believe it should be taught in school.

Like Avatard said, why can't we just present the facts? What a fucking joke.

[sherri_chickie]

I plan on teaching my students about different forms of birth control, what diseases are out there and how to avoid it, including and emphasizing abstenance ( Christian school). I want them to put serious thought into getting sexually involved in their teens. I dont expect them all to wait based on what I have said, but if they wait a little longer, put more thought into it and realize that there is more to sex than simply the physical act ( ie: emotions, risks) I will be happy. For a lot of teens this day sex is seen just as a game.

[askmrjesus]

I think the most that the school systems should "educate" on sex is what you learn in an anatomy.

Ok Sandra, I'll bite. What do you learn, "in an anatomy" ?

I started having sex at the age of twelve. My girlfriend was fourteen. Did my parents know, or even suspect? Fuck no. They had no inkling that their sweet blue-eyed boy, was banging an innocent looking (yet slutty for FTW) 14 year old, in the bushes behind the YMCA.

They were intelligent people, but clueless when it came to their children, or rather, who they perceived their children to be.

Schools are for learning things.

Fucking is a thing.

JC

[unknownroad]

Actually if you teach about it, kids will be more interested in trying it out. But moreso, it is function of peer pressure at the teenage years.

:lol Seriously, as someone who was once a teenage boy, i can say that health class had absolutely no impact on my interest in having sex. In fact, i think the only thing that WOULD have made me more interested in having sex was learning that having sex would magically get me a cooler car.

And if you wanna talk about "what schools should be teaching", here's a different perspective:

Public schools exist to serve the public good. There is a public benefit to having children grow up fit and healthy, so we get gym class. There is a public benefit to having children know how to read, so they're taught how to read. There's a public benefit in not having 13-year-old girls getting pregnant, so they should be taught what will and will not prevent that from happening. Just as they need to know that 2 + 2 does not equal 5, they need to know that Saran Wrap is not the same as a condom.

[wildchild]

they need to know that Saran Wrap is not the same as a condom.

I hope that isn't experience talking. :lol

[EpyonXero]

In my classroom I am going to put a box. Hand out a piece of paper to everyone, everyone has to write SOMETHING on their paper and put it in the box, whether it be a question or just " hi" That way nobody will know who asked a question they may be embarassed to openly ask. Usually if one kid is wondering something there are several others with the same question too embarassed to ask. You can't do that with your parents..

Thats a really good idea.

Although, in school I could have seen myself trying to come up with the funniest/most ridiculous question I could. Actually Id probably do the same thing now. :lol:

[HokieDNA01]

My parents had their first sex talk with me....well they never did other then to threaten death if I ever did. Thank God for sex ed and for getting my first job at a pharmacy at age 13. I started to see how many birth control pills and percripts for valtrex went out the door and learned fast.

[sherri_chickie]

Thats a really good idea.

Although, in school I could have seen myself trying to come up with the funniest/most ridiculous question I could. Actually Id probably do the same thing now. :lol:


We had a kid last year ask a nurse if you could pee while in a girl... She was straight up serious and answered him.

I feel comfortable with this group that I wont get any questions just for the shock factor, now, last years group, wouldn't even go there..!

[Avatard]

We had a kid last year ask a nurse if you could pee while in a girl... She was straight up serious and answered him.

I'll bite. What was her answer? Because the only one that comes to mind is:

"Kid, have you ever tried to pee with a hard-on?"

[derf]

I'll bite. What was her answer? Because the only one that comes to mind is:

"Kid, have you ever tried to pee with a hard-on?"

Yeh is it possible? I'm pretty damn sure its not.


Anyway, IMHO sex ed doesnt work because the kids are usually having sex before they take the class. thats how it was in my situation. My parents had a sex talk with me, but it wasnt anything informative at all and we both left feeling embarresed and didnt actually talk. I had a condom but didnt know to pinch the tip and wound up having the damn thing burst the first few times I used it. So yeh, kids should be rolling them on the banana.

[sherri_chickie]

BTW.. it's not possible.

[Avatard]

Yeh is it possible? I'm pretty damn sure its not.

My point.

[derf]

My point.

I actually probably just didn't show up that day anyway so it wouldnt matter if I was supposed to learn it or not

[Kaneman]

BTW.. it's not possible.

Women should not be allowed to teach male anatomy. :lol:

[EpyonXero]

We had a kid last year ask a nurse if you could pee while in a girl... She was straight up serious and answered him.

I feel comfortable with this group that I wont get any questions just for the shock factor, now, last years group, wouldn't even go there..!

:lol: I actually asked that question when I took Sex Ed in middle school.

[askmrjesus]

:lol: I actually asked that question when I took Sex Ed in middle school.

This explains why there are no women in this thread, complaining about sex-ed in schools...:lol:

JC

[unknownroad]

I hope that isn't experience talking. :lol

Somewhere along the line i read a list that a teacher had put together of misconceptions about sex that her students had picked up, written as an example of why abstinence-only sex ed wasn't good enough. Saran wrap was on there, along with the idea that you couldn't get pregnant if:
You did it standing up
It was the girl's first time
If the guy didn't have an orgasm
If the girl didn't have an orgasm
If you did it in a swimming pool
If the girl peed immediately afterwards

and so on... :panic:

[Dave]

Yeh is it possible? I'm pretty damn sure its not.


Anyway, IMHO sex ed doesnt work because the kids are usually having sex before they take the class. thats how it was in my situation. My parents had a sex talk with me, but it wasnt anything informative at all and we both left feeling embarresed and didnt actually talk. I had a condom but didnt know to pinch the tip and wound up having the damn thing burst the first few times I used it. So yeh, kids should be rolling them on the banana.

i didnt need some government drone to teach me how to read the back of the box.