New York City public school students, as young as four years old, are being taught about HIV in kindergarten through a book that discusses vulvas and penises. The curriculum was revamped in September and centers lessons for young children around a book called “These are My Eyes, This is My Nose, This is My Vulva, These are My Toes” by Lexx “The Sex Doc” Brown-James, a sex educator. The book covers topics such as gender identity and encourages the use of gender-neutral pronouns like “they” and “them.”
The city’s new HIV/AIDS curriculum aims to educate students about the virus, which can lead to AIDS, from a young age. The K-12 program called “Growing Up and Staying Safe: New York City K-12 HIV Education Curriculum,” is the city’s response to state-mandated HIV/AIDS lessons and was funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The lessons for younger children focus on basic concepts related to HIV, while older students learn about how the virus is transmitted, including through blood, body fluids, and unclean needles.
Some parents have expressed concerns about the curriculum, calling it “beyond inappropriate” and arguing that such graphic content should be introduced at home, not in schools. One Brooklyn mom of a kindergartener was shocked to receive notice that her five-year-old would be participating in these lessons, with no option to opt-out. She worries about how detailed the discussions will become as her child progresses through the grades.
The curriculum progresses as students get older, with first graders learning about how HIV can be transmitted through blood, second graders focusing on blood and medication, and third graders being able to summarize what HIV is and how it can and cannot be passed. By fourth grade, students are taught that HIV can specifically be transmitted through unclean needles and sexual contact. Teachers are provided with resources and training through webinars to effectively deliver this information to students.
The Department of Education announced the revamped curriculum in September, marking the first update since 2012. Schools Chancellor David Banks emphasized that the curriculum incorporates feedback from educators and student focus groups, grounded in equity and anti-bias education, and aligned with Social-Emotional Learning Competencies. The goal is to promote inclusivity, respect, and access to quality sexual health education for students of all ages.
Overall, the New York City public school HIV curriculum aims to provide age-appropriate education about HIV and AIDS to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. While some parents may have concerns about the content being introduced at a young age, the curriculum is designed to promote understanding, inclusivity, and respect for all students. Through a combination of books, videos, and lesson plans, students are taught about important health topics in a progressive and comprehensive manner that aims to empower them with knowledge and awareness about HIV and sexual health.
