Sexy Federal Funding?
Have you ever wondered how much money the government gives to teaching about sex? |
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When starting my research on funding in sex education I came across an article on the website SIECUS( Sexuality Information and Education Council Of The United States) titled "Congress’ 2007 Endgame Brings Good and Bad News for Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues." This article gave a good background on the past years money spent on sex education, and types of education that are funded.
In 2007 the federal government approved a $555 billion omnibus budget package through congress. This bill allotted stimulus and funding to federal programs throughout the 2008 fiscal year. In this approved bill was resulted in no funding change for abstinence only education.
“In the final bill, the House of Representatives finally relented and provided level funding for CBAE(Community-Based Abstinence Education), meaning that the program received the same amount of funding as last year, $113 million. The House had previously proposed increasing funding for CBAE by $28 million, while the Senate sought a $28 million decrease. The final bill also funded abstinence-only-until-marriage programs in AFLA(Adolescent Family Life Act) at last year’s level, $13 million.”
The two sections of congress, as well as most other sections of our nation are split on what type of sex education funding should be supplied to the nations youth. This abstinence only education does not supply the information, and best education possible to the school, but do supply the conservative view needed to make the republicans happy.
Arguments on whether abstinence only education should still be supported by the federal government if it does not supply the most information available. William Smith, vice president for public policy at SIECUS( Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States) commented on the subject saying
“While hardly an ideal outcome from this new Congress, an increase—which looked to be a near certainty at one point—would have been more disastrous, we are hopeful that next year brings better results, and that Congress finally sees fit to end funding for these ineffective programs that waste millions of taxpayer dollars.”
It is harsh to say that is is a waste of taxpayer’s dollars, but is it not using them effectively enough. This government policy is hard to change due to the range of viewpoints in our nation. Some people want the most science centered information, and others what the more appropriate conservative information.
Article in reference:
http://www.siecus.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.showFeature&FeatureID=906&varuniqueuserid=59175839882
How would change/maintain this type of education? Would you agree that this is universally important to every school or that people should "figure things" out on their own? In other words, it is worth spending a lot of money towards it, in your opinion?
ReplyDeleteI feel that their should be a national standard for sex education, does not matter what the schools stance on it is. Schools should supply a scientific and health based education on the subject. I feel that schools should address and educate on STDs, pregnancy rates, and other healthy based compilations that come with having sex, not the moral, emotional, and spiritual stances and effects of sex.
DeleteThe money being spent to talk about the morals of sex and telling kids to stay celibate till marriage is a waste of money. It is not teaching anything.
Should it be the governments job to supply schools with money and materials for sex education? Shouldn't it be the responsibility of the parents to educate their children on sexual life?
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that it is the parents responsibility to talk to kids about sex, inform them to the best of their abilities, and make it a subject they feel comfortable asking questions about. However, i feel that a school should supply a scientific and health based education on the subject. Most parents are not going to talk to kids about STDs, pregnancy rates, and other healthy based compilations that come with having sex. I feel that schools should address and education on that, not the moral, emotional, and spiritual stances and effects of sex.
DeleteFirst off great job on catching my attention. The title draws me in and makes me interested in what your stance on funding sexual education is. I liked how you addressed both perspectives, this built up your credibility. This post made me realize obstacles that health curriculum's face when deciding how and when to teach sexual education. Because you gave evidence to support your claims, I catch myself questioning my opinions as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I feel like it is everyone's responsibility to realize other opinions and think about why you think what you think.
DeleteKate, I loved your intro. It had my attention from your witty title and all the way til the end with your facts and views that brought to light a concern not taken seriously enough by the American public. However, as your post continued I believe there was more citing then there was your opinion. I would love to see your opinion on even just one quote from an article. Overall, well done and very informative.
ReplyDeleteI was asked about my opinion in the other comments too, I guess I'll throw more in the blog post in the future. If you want to read, I responded to a few questions above that might help you understand my stance.
DeleteI really like that you're talking about this. Shelby said you did a great job giving both perspectives and I agree. I'd just like to see more of your opinion/analysis of the two quotes. Great job with the title!
ReplyDelete