Freedom Flyer 30

Article mistook trustee's views

Regarding, Sex course stirring controversy (May 15), inaccurately portrays my views on the issue of sex education in the public schools. Your reporter writes that I "oppose condom use and masturbation." This sweeping generality paints me as ignorant and prudish. To put the matter straight, I believe that instruction on condom use must be taught in school although it must be taught under the following conditions: the child's parents must know it is being taught, the information must be factual and not eroticized, and it must be done at a time appropriate to the sexual maturity of the student.

I do oppose the school board selling condoms in high-school washrooms. If any students wants to buy a condom they can go to any comer drugstore and do so, just like any self-respecting adult. If they feel ashamed to buy a condom in public then they should examine why they feel ashamed. For the school board to eliminate their shame does not help these students to understand that they may not be mature enough to engage in sex.

Your reporter's comment on masturbation should be put into perspective. Lesson five of an early draft sex-ed curriculum for Grade 9 presented to the community in April discussed ways of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases and described "mutual" masturbation as a "Green - Go Ahead" activity. This is completely inappropriate direction for 14- and 15-year-olds. There is not one parent in London who would recommend such an activity to their teen.

The school board administration is providing ample opportunity for public involvement in the curriculum and is changing the curriculum to better reflect the sensibilities of the community. Whether these changes are adequate is a matter for the trustees to decide. The final draft goes to the program standing committee June 11. If approved it will then go to the entire board for final approval. I would encourage all interested Londoners to get the facts for themselves. A copy of the latest draft of the curriculum is available for viewing at the board's professional library on Dundas Street.