I urge voters to vote yes on Referendum 90.
R-90 asks voters to approve or reject Washington Senate Bill 5395.
This bill was passed through the state Legislature and it requires that school districts provide accurate, age-appropriate information regarding sexual health that is inclusive of all students.
The course materials used need to be verified or supported by scientific research, published in peer-reviewed journals, and recognized as accurate by organizations such as the Washington State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
One of the most important aspects of this is that the approved curriculum chosen by local districts would include instruction and information regarding affirmative consent, bystander training and LGBTQ issues.
In the K-3 grades, students would be taught instruction in social and emotional learning, which will support them as they navigate school and life.
Students will learn how to manage their emotions, set goals, establish relationships and make responsible decisions.
Schools would be required to inform parents that they are providing the course to students and parents have the option to excuse students from the instruction.
For decades, however, research has shown that students who receive this kind of education wait longer to have sex, examine the risks, use contraception more often, exercise informed decision-making and have lower rates of STIs.
Please approve R-90 to ensure students learn safe, healthy boundaries and practices.
Kaylee Ditlefsen
Sequim