The Birds, the bees, and the Constitution: sex education in the public schools (Episode 6 of 13)

This is the sixth in a series of 13 episodes. This program presents viewpoints of parents, students, teachers, attorneys, and scholars on the conflicting perspectives of sex education in schools. This program also examines the rights of parents and students within a constitutional framework. Sponsored by the Pacifica Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, with funding from the Deer Creek Foundation, St. Louis, Missouri; and the California Council for the Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Bicentennial Edition researched, edited, and produced by Adi Gevins, 1987; engineered by David Rapkin; announcer, Brenda Wilson; original program produced by Peggy Stein, 1982.
|Folio notes: Polls show that a vast majority of Americans suport sex education in public schools, yet a small but vocal minority objects. The First Amendment has been interpreted to protect both the right to information and the right to protest. Are the rights of parents and children in conflict? Is sex education outside the realm of protected speech? Such recent developments as the AIDS epidemic, Surgeon General Koop’s suggestions that specific information on sex acts be offered as early as elementary school, and the Meese Commission’s Report on Pornography have radically changed the debate. This program presents viewpoints of parents, students, teachers and attorneys from all sides, as well as new arguments and scholarly opinion to provide a comprehensive documentary on this issue. Participants and consultants include: Phyllis Schlafly, Eagle Forum; Joseph Gusfield, Professor of Sociology, University of California San Diego; Robert Bard, Professor of Law, University of Connecticut; Douglas Kirby, Center for Population Options.
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