SEXUALITY MATTERS TO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Sexuality is a lifelong process that encompasses the biological, emotional, psychological, and social domains and is a natural and healthy part of living (National Guidelines Task Force, 1996). Sexuality education aids young people in understanding a positive view of sexuality and helps them make responsible decisions regarding their sexual health (Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States [SIECUS], 1999). Many schools, however, have inadequate school sexuality education programs concomitant with a lack of program evaluation.

PHILOSOPHY OF SEXUALITY EDUCATION

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY

Sexuality messages are first learned from parents who have primary responsibility for the sexuality education of their children (SIECUS, 1999), but communities also have an obligation to provide quality sexuality education programs (National Commission on Adolescent School Health, 1995). By developing advisory boards, students, teachers, parents, and other community professionals can give input about the type and content of school sexuality education programs (Bensley, 1991; Bensley & Bensley, 1997). The mission of sexuality education programs should reinforce and strengthen parental sexuality messages.

PARENTAL SUPPORT

Controversy about school sexuality education programs does exist, but a greater number of parents support rather than oppose them. Of 1,050 adults surveyed across the nation, 93 percent support the teaching of sexuality education in high school, and 84 percent support sexuality education in middle school (Haffner & Wagner, 1999; SIECUS, 2000). In addition to parental support of sexuality education, approximately 117 national, non-profit organizations have formed a national coalition to support and provide advocacy for sexuality education programs (SIECUS, 1999).      DAVID  MATHIAS- TEKU/BEDCP/101477