Sex Ed Opt-Outs Available To Kids In This NJ District

HOLMDEL, NJ — Acting Holmdel school superintendent Art Howard released a statement to parents in response to growing concerns about mandated sex-ed conversations for young kids issued by the New Jersey Department of Education.

In the letter sent to district parents, Howard wrote:

"Dear Parents: Please be aware that every public school district in the State of New Jersey is required to adopt and teach a health curriculum from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade that includes, among other topics, family living and disease prevention.

"Any child whose parent or guardian presents to the school a signed statement that any part of instruction in health, family life education or sex education is in conflict with his conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs shall be excused from that portion of the course," Howard continued.

The letter ended with a statement claiming that the only requirements for removal would be a signed request and a statement for excusal submitted to the principal. "No excused pupil will be penalized by loss of credit as a result of his/her excusal, but a pupil will be held accountable for successful completion of any alternate program assigned."

A topical list of the health curriculum understandings and objectives for all K–6 programs can be found here.