Mittge Commentary: Public Can Weigh in on Sex/Gender Ed Bill

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Although a proposed mandatory “comprehensive sexual health education” bill moved quickly through the state Senate, the public will have one more chance to speak up before Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5395 moves on for a vote in the House. 

The House Education Committee will hold a public hearing next Tuesday, March 12, at 8 a.m. in the John L. O’Brien Building, in Hearing Room A. 

I’ve heard from a number of parents and families who are concerned about this bill, but feel that the battle is already over. 

That’s not true. 

Lawmakers listen to those who show up and speak up to testify, and it’s important that rural and family voices are heard in this debate. During a similar hearing last month in the Senate, panels led by Planned Parenthood advocates spoke about their perspective on sex ed, gender and sexuality inclusion, and other matters that this bill would mandate in all public schools. 

Those are valid opinions, but the experiences of families with different outlooks are also valid.

I heard recently from a mother in the Napavine area who described explicit sex ed instruction to her son’s classroom two decades ago, including a medical professional who, she said, told students, “before they get married, they should have sex with each one of the genders to see if they are gay.”

She and other moms spoke with the superintendent at the time, and they had a productive discussion that led to immediate changes. A mandated statewide curriculum, she said, might make that type of interaction more difficult and less effective.

Another local resident recently moved her students from one district to another, in part because of explicit sex instruction. In a message to me, this mom of middle and high school students wrote: “Simple sex education is best. We don't need to confuse our youth and have them questioning everything. Basic sex ed involving how their own gender anatomy functions, the ways to have safe sex or none at all, info on where and how to get help or more information if they become involved in a situation and what consent means and how to handle that, is all these kids need to learn. Anything beyond this is not needed.”

The message that these families and others have for lawmakers is simple: keep decisions and curriculum at a local level, where parents can be involved.   

Supporters of ESSB 5395, including Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal (who requested this year’s bill), say that the main issue is preventing sexual violence, in part by teaching children about affirmative consent. That’s the idea that the absence of “no” doesn’t mean an active “yes.”



That’s not a controversial idea, and I think all sides could agree that education in consent is a move forward for our state. However, a new mandate requiring in-depth sex ed and gender theory is moving beyond what many families want taught in their local schools.

The bill passed out of the Senate on a party line vote, with all Democrats in favor and all Republican opposed. That frustrates Kelsi Hamilton, whose children attend school in Chehalis. She told me that she hopes lawmakers in the majority party will work with the minority to craft a bill that both sides can live with.

“The legislature appears to be making this a very partisan issue. It’s obvious this is a controversial bill,” she said. “Even conservatives can agree to parts of it. Amendments asking for parents to be able to preview the curriculum before choosing to opt out should be considered.I hope that more people become involved as this moves through the House and that all voices will be taken into consideration.”

Regardless of how people feel about this bill, it’s a good idea to let lawmakers (especially your two elected representatives) know your perspective. 

To testify on this bill, show up before 8 a.m. (the earlier the better) at the state Capitol and register to testify on ESSB 5395. Keep your remarks short (under two minutes), polite, and to the point. Bring details, especially information about your specific schools and what your kids are learning. 

Your voice matters. Speak up Tuesday morning in Olympia to help determine the future of what our kids will be learning in our public schools. If you can’t testify in person, you can submit written testimony, or call/email members of the House Education Committee to share your concerns.

And however this bill turns out, become involved in your own public school. Show up to school board meetings. Be a proactive, positive voice. Offer to help give community input on curriculum. Sit in on classes. 

That’s what our schools and communities need, and each of us can be part of the solution. 

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Brian Mittge is a proud public school alumnus and parent. Drop him a line at brianmittge@hotmail.com