Writers: Proposed New York Sex Ed Curriculum Violates Parents' Rights

In a New York Times (10/19, Subscription Publication) op-ed, Robert P. George, a professor of politics at Princeton University, and Princeton doctoral candidate Melissa Moschella sharply criticize a proposed sex education curriculum recommended by New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott. The writers describe a number of "graphic" aspects to the curriculum, and warn that it also encourages students to disregard their parents' instructions regarding sexual health, instructing them "to rely instead on teachers and health clinic staff members." They argue that the curriculum contributes to "the sexualization of children" at inappropriately young ages, and that the government has no compelling interest in "violating parents rights" by requiring such instruction regardless of families "moral and religious values."