Letter: Brentwood Parents Oppose “Sex Education”

The following letter was submitted by a group of parents from the Brentwood Union School District after the school board agreed to move forward with family sex education.

Note, the Brentwood Union School District had previously provided the following links for the family life curriculum.

• 4^th grade Family Life unit
• 5^th grade Family Life unit
• 6^th grade Family Life unit

Letter to the Board:

Brentwood Union School District
Brentwood, CA 94513

Dear Board Members,

I am writing to express my utmost disgust and vehement opposition to the recent decision made by the Brentwood Union School District officials regarding the implementation of “Family Sex Education” for fourth graders. As a concerned parent and member of this community, I find this decision not only appalling but also completely unacceptable.

Upon reviewing the proceedings of the board meeting, it has become abundantly clear that the decision to introduce such graphic and inappropriate material to fourth graders was made without due consideration for the innocence and developmental stage of our children. The fact that board members, including Emil Geddes, and Gursky, have demonstrated a lack of understanding and responsibility in approving this curriculum is utterly reprehensible.

The board’s disregard for the concerns raised by board member Stephanie regarding the explicit nature of the curriculum, the flippant attitude displayed by Emil Geddes in basing his approval on a trivial coffee shop interaction, and the outright admission by board member Gursky that he fails to review any curriculum he approves, are all indicative of a severe failure in leadership and judgment.

Furthermore, it is deeply troubling to learn that the superintendent acknowledges that this curriculum is not a state requirement, yet it is being pushed onto our children by the very individuals entrusted with their education. The revelation that our school board, superintendent, and director of curriculum have actively advocated for the exposure of fourth graders to pornographic material, without providing adequate translation services for non-Spanish speaking families, is nothing short of abhorrent.

Our fourth graders are young, impressionable, and innocent individuals who deserve to be protected from such explicit and inappropriate content. The decision to introduce “Family Sex Education” at this grade level is not only sickening but also reflects a gross dereliction of duty on the part of all involved.

I demand immediate action be taken to reverse this decision and remove all individuals responsible for advocating and implementing this reprehensible curriculum. Our children deserve better, and as parents and members of this community, we will not stand idly by while their innocence is compromised.

I urge the Brentwood Union School District to prioritize the well-being and proper education of our children by rescinding this decision without delay. Failure to do so will result in further action from concerned parents and community members who refuse to tolerate such disregard for our children’s welfare.

Sincerely,

Editors Note

The state of California recommends that puberty education be taught in a mixed gender classroom setting.  Being that this is BUSD’s first year transitioning to a new Family Life program, we are going to provide instruction in grades 4th-5th in a mixed gender setting in some schools and a separated by perceived gender setting in other schools.  This will provide us an opportunity to gather feedback on both experiences to help us make decisions for future years. More information about what each school will be doing will be provided during the information meeting.  All 6th grade classes will occur in a mixed gender setting as this is already a practice that has taken place in previous years in our middle schools.

If you would like to know more about what will be included in our Family Life curriculum we offer the following:

• See below for a list of the objectives that will be covered in each grade level.

• Here is a link to our website where you can request to view each lesson that will be taught and the videos that students will view. We encourage you to view the documents available. https://www.brentwood.k12.ca.us/page/family-life

• A general FAQ document can also be found here on the BUSD website.

Family Life Unit Objectives

Fourth Grade

Unit Objectives:

• Demonstrate ways to promote dignity and respect for all types of families
• Demonstrate appreciation for family members and other trusted adults
• Define terms used to describe gender identity and gender expression
• Demonstrate the respectful use of gender-related terms while discussing student scenarios that illustrate gender diversity and include respectful body language, words, and tone of voice.
• Describe changes that typically occur in male-bodied/female bodied people during puberty
• Match terms for the anatomy of the reproductive system by labeling a diagram
• Explain ways to care for their bodies as they go through puberty
• Make a plan for maintaining personal hygiene during puberty

Fifth Grade

Unit Objectives:

• Develop an increased understanding of the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty so that students are better able to navigate puberty.
• Explain the anatomical structures and functions of the reproductive system and ways to promote sexual health so that students are better informed and able to make safe and healthy choices.
• Develop a care plan for their bodies, so they are better prepared to care for their changing bodies during puberty.
• Increase their ability to participate in respectful treatment of peers and demonstrate respectful communication strategies when engaging with peers so that they can develop healthy and positive relationships with peers.
• Increase their understanding of consent including ways to communicate consent, and receive consent, and respond in situations where consent is not given or abuse occurs so that they are better able to avoid harassment and exploitation.

Sixth Grade

Unit Objectives:

• Develop an increased understanding of the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty so that students are better able to navigate puberty and demonstrate respect for individual differences in development.
• Increase their ability to apply the principles of consent and demonstrate communication skills so that students are better able to form respectful peer relationships.
• Define and differentiate between gender identity and sexual orientation.
• Increase their ability to identify interpersonal and sexual violence, so students are better able to seek help for themselves and others when needed.
• Discuss the potential risks of behaviors, so students are better able to make a plan to avoid unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
• Apply media literacy skills to analyze media messages and online information so that students are better able to understand media influences and access accurate information.

Parents/guardians have the right to opt their child out of the Family Life unit.   If you would like to do so, you must write a letter to or email your child’s teacher stating that you do not want your child to participate.  We ask that you please do so prior to March 4th. Students that are opted out of Family Life instruction will participate in other learning activities in a separate classroom with another teacher.

If you have any questions about the Family Life content or need any assistance with translation of information in a language other than English or Spanish, please reach out to Andrea Zeigler at [email protected].