Get The Facts

Legislative Overview: This legislation requires that all students in public and charter schools receive medically accurate, inclusive, K-12 comprehensive sex education (CSE) that is age-appropriate and reflects national standards and best practices. CSE will combat bullying and discrimination as well as sexual harassment and violence. It will reduce poor health outcomes and improve education. And, it will promote a culture of consent and prepare young people to make healthy decisions and have healthy relationships.

CURRENTLY IN NEW YORK STATE...

• There is no statewide requirement for sexuality education – only a broader mandate for health education and an outdated and under-taught K-12 HIV/AIDS curriculum mandate.

• Of the public schools across New York that voluntarily provide sex-ed, the curriculum is often inaccurate, incomplete, and stigmatizing.

• Gaps in sex-ed leave New York’s students ill equipped to keep themselves safe and healthy. Lack of education allows stereotypes, misinformation, and toxic relationships to spread.

Why K- 12?

Comprehensive sexuality education not only includes lessons on preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but also covers issues like healthy relationships, body image, self-esteem, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

• In kindergarten, that looks like basic lessons about friendship and communication, providing kids with the building blocks they need to tackle issues like consent and sexual health years later in middle and high school.

• Without this vital education, students are missing out on the information and support they need to make the best decisions for themselves about their health, relationships, and futures.

• Students do not enter college and do calculus without first learning how to count in kindergarten. We should not ask them to navigate their sexual and reproductive health and relationships without comprehensive sexuality education that emphasizes consent.

Comprehensive sexuality education is proven to reduce:

• Sexual assault and violence

• Unintended Pregnancy and school dropout rates

• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• Bullying, discrimination, and harassment

• Health care costs