Embedded Files
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
We aim to spread awareness within the Rice community by educating fellow Rice peers on civic engagement resources and careers related to our topic. We also aim to reach an external audience by connecting with influential people and organizations that may amplify our issue and promote collaboration between education and healthcare professionals.
Community-Based Approach
Community-Based Approach
Per the Texas Education Code, sexual education instruction must reflect the values of the community. Although Texas communities are intricately diverse and multi-faceted, this may not be reflected in the values due to the disenfranchisement of certain marginalized groups within communities. By engaging with community-based organizations and leaders, including those who may face obstacles to accessing traditional educational settings, we developed an understanding of the history and structural barriers that have led to a lack of comprehensive sexual education in Texas public schools. Our partnership with different community members and organizations resulted in a mutually beneficial relationship where they shared their insights, concerns, and insights, and we received a deeper understanding of the issues they face within their communities.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations we are taking into account as we build our program curriculum and engage with community partners include sensitivity to cultures and gender identity. While trying to wholly understand the core reasons for the lack of comprehensive sexual education in Texas public schools, it is essential to establish that this multifaceted issue has disproportionately affected marginalized groups. Comprehensive sexual education is comprehensive because it encapsulates the experiences and needs of individuals across cultural groups and the gender spectrum. We aim to respect diverse beliefs, practices, and values while engaging with community partners. We additionally aim to provide inclusive information that does not reinforce harmful stereotypes or misconceptions.
Alternative Spring Break Trip Location: New Orleans, Texas
Alternative Spring Break Trip Location: New Orleans, Texas
New Orleans presents a unique perspective due to the structure of the city's public education system. After Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, the city's education system became a decentralized mix of state-run Recovery School District (RSD), traditional public, and charter schools. The majority of the schools, specifically severely underperforming schools, were converted into charter schools. While student achievement has begun to improve after this ushering of new charter schools, community members continuously raise concerns over equity and access to these schools.
Additionally, because the city's education system and other school subjects are decentralized, the sexual education curriculum varies by school. While some schools are richly funded and can teach comprehensive sexual education, other schools, due to either lack of funding or the community's cultural beliefs, may adopt a conservative approach that is exclusive of essential topics such as consent. Because of this, we believe that community-based learning in New Orleans presents an opportunity to discuss how sexual education is often racialized and how socioeconomic factors play a large role in student outcomes.
Additionally, given the context of Texas Republicans and Governor Abbott's push to defund Texas public schools and create a voucher program for charter and private schools, it was important to learn more about the charter system and its potential role in how sexual education is administered and implemented.
Trip Itinerary (Friday, March 8 - Tuesday, March 12)
Trip Itinerary (Friday, March 8 - Tuesday, March 12)
Friday
Drive to New Orleans; Go Over House and Service Trip Rules
Saturday
Community Engagement
Louisiana State Civil Rights and Presbytere Museums
Cultural Engagement
French Quarter
Nightly Debrief and Reflection
Sunday
Community Engagement
ReJAC NOLA
Cultural Engagement
Jean Lafitte National Park
Nightly Debrief and Reflection
Monday
Community Engagement
Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast Health Center Tour
Newcomb Institute @ Tulane University
Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies
If/When/How
Nightly Debrief and Reflection
Tuesday
Drive back to Rice!
Houston Community Partners
Houston Community Partners
Dr. Allyssa Aguila-Abacan and the Baylor Teen Health Clinic
Taylisha Clark and Cliterate
Nationwide Community Partners
Nationwide Community Partners
Houston Impact
Houston Impact
Our group organized an impactful information session on campus, which was open to the Greater Houston community and featured Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an esteemed OBGYN author and social media educator. During the session, Dr. Lincoln addressed the pervasive stigmatization of sex and highlighted the critical importance of reproductive healthcare and justice. Through her engaging presentation, the attendees gained a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers to comprehensive sex education and reproductive healthcare access. We learned how to navigate legal frameworks and mobilize resources effectively to promote comprehensive sex education and reproductive justice initiatives within the Rice and Greater Houston communities. By partnering with Dr. Lincoln and leveraging her expertise, our ASB group empowered attendees to become informed advocates for reproductive rights and healthcare. Through critical dialogue and advocacy efforts, we aim to make a lasting impact and destigmatize sex and sex education within our communities.
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