Human Relations Education Once Considered Communist Plot
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Human Relations Education Once Considered a 'Communist Plot'
Exploring the Unexpected History Behind Sex Education
Returning to the 1980s for my book, The Sex Ed Chronicles, led me to delve deeper into the political landscape of the 1960s and 70s. I was surprised to discover that sex education was once viewed as part of a 'Communist plot.'
In 1960, Robert Welch, the president of the John Birch Society, encouraged parents to infiltrate and control their local Parent-Teacher Associations. A 1969 Time magazine article reported that Welch believed sex education was a 'Communist plot,' similar to the controversy over community fluoridation.
As part of my research, I reviewed a 1970 National Education Association (NEA) manual. This guide advised state and local teacher unions on countering opposition to sex education in public schools. It highlighted a Society-backed documentary, 'The Innocents Defiled,' which depicted sex educators as promoting "moral depravity" and aiming to corrupt America's youth with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the U.S.
The John Birch Society also established a front group, the Movement to Restore Decency (MOTOREDE), designed to appeal to non-members. Interestingly, the NEA manual noted an irony: the Society used tactics similar to the Communist Party by forming a front to conceal its true intentions. Sociologist Janice Irvine found that 80 to 90 percent of MOTOREDE members weren't John Birchers. MOTOREDE wasn't the only such group; others included Sanity of Sex (S.O.S.) and Parents against Universal Sex Education (PAUSE).
Despite strong public support for sex education?"71 percent in the polls?"and endorsements from the NEA, National Council of Churches, American Medical Association, and U.S. Catholic Conference, conservative opposition led some legislators to re-evaluate the curriculum or provided leverage to fight it. By 1969, there were anti-sex education groups in 35 states.
Politicians like the late California State Senator John Schmitz introduced legislation like the 1969 Sex Education Act, which mandated parental 'opt-in' approval for public school sex education programs. Schmitz's proposal also demanded the dismissal and credential revocation of teachers who taught unapproved classes. Schmitz later ran as the American Independent Party's presidential candidate, garnering over a million votes.
Beyond alleged Communist links, opposition arguments against sex education echoed today's concerns: content was too explicit, introduced too early, or should focus on abstinence over contraception.
During the 60s, opposing sex education was tied to various causes, some soon to fall out of favor. Parents might oppose sex education while also opposing anti-Semitism, anti-Catholicism, or the Vietnam War. Consequently, single-issue groups dedicated solely to opposing sex education proved more effective than broad coalitions.
Today's opposition is more sophisticated, with conservative Republicans expanding inclusively and distancing themselves from segregationist or discriminatory groups. On the flip side, sex education advocates have sharpened their focus on health and medical benefits rather than dismissing opponents as fanatics?"a strategy that sustained and legitimized opposition decades ago.
A historical challenge for sex educators was framing their cause as a liberal one, which alienated states with sizable conservative voting blocs. People across the spectrum resist having opposing views imposed on them, even when they’re in the minority.
Now, there is broader acceptance of sex education. Although 'abstinence-only' and 'opt-in' policies persist, sex education isn't disappearing. Advocates must better convey that comprehensive sex education is a health and safety issue beyond political lines, crucial for preventing abuse and predatory acts.
Currently, the presidency favors funding 'abstinence until marriage' programs, but some governors are rejecting this funding due to extreme requirements, like teaching abstinence until age 29. The next administration is likely to adopt a more moderate stance or leave funding decisions to individual states.
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