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OPS holding public forum on proposed changes to sex education curriculum

The Omaha Public Schools district is exploring changes to its sex education curriculum, and wants public input.

OPS has a Human Growth and Development community forum tonight at 6:30. A phone survey conducted from January to March of this year found that parents wanted comprehensive sex education taught in OPS, including information on both abstinence and safe sex, and preventing STDs.

Dr. Karen Spencer-May, Supervisor of Human Growth and Development for OPS, says rumors that Planned Parenthood will be involved in OPS’ curriculum changes are not true.

"We will develop our own. We’ve been doing this for 30 years. It’s nothing new. Most of what we’re presenting will be things we’ve already done."

Another proposed change would address inclusion of LGBTQ students. Spencer-May says that could mean changing the terms “boyfriend” and “girlfriend” to “partner,” as well as how to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all students.

Students are not required to take sex education classes in OPS. The classes are opt-in for elementary-level students, and opt-out for secondary-level.

The Human Growth and Development Forum will be held in the TAC building board room. More information is available at www.ops.org.