Fresno Unified sex ed policy should be respectful to all

Three points regarding the recent controversies over sexuality and sex education.

First, every young person is precious and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual identity.

Second, what a person endorses as acceptable sexual practice is significantly influenced by his or her own sexual history and (sometimes) that of a loved one. Prior behavior shapes current beliefs. This causal pathway applies to the opinions of educators, therapists, medical professionals and public officials.

It is very difficult to judge one’s own sexual behavior as being morally or otherwise problematic. Instead, the more common outcome is to rationalize and justify one’s behavior with an accompanying adjustment of one’s values. This is human nature.

Third, it is increasingly accepted knowledge among researchers that for many people sexual attractions, behaviors and identities change. This is particularly so among adolescents and young adults.

For example, Nigel Dickson and colleagues (2013) observed, “People with changing sexual attractions may be reassured to know that these are common rather than atypical.” The immutability of sexual orientation is a myth.

These important truths need to be factored into the ongoing discussions among Fresno Unified School District leaders, teachers, parents and students.

This story was originally published December 5, 2017 at 2:39 PM with the headline "Fresno Unified sex ed policy should be respectful to all."