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Austin Public School District needs to implement a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) curriculum. Youth aged 15-19, and especially BIPOC youth, account for disproportionately high rates of STIs compared to older adults, and many young people experience sexual abuse and assault. In 2023 Mower County had one of the top ten rates for Chlamydia in the state among adolescents ages 15-19, at 1,730.5 / 100,000,  (2023 Minnesota Adolescent Sexual Health Report), while the state-wide rate was 1,445 / 100,000.

CSE is a holistic approach to sex ed that goes beyond just encouraging abstinence, preventing STIs, and teaching contraceptive methods. It emphasizes social and emotional aspects of sexuality such as consent, recognizing abuse, and respecting every person’s inherent bodily autonomy. Many assume that CSE is controversial, yet 85 percent of people in Congressional District 1 (where Austin resides) want abstinence as well as pregnancy and STI prevention taught in public schools.

Currently, there are no Minnesota state standards for sexuality education. Each individual district determines its own curriculum. This academic year, Austin School District’s Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness Committee will begin selecting new sexuality education curriculum. Austin School District’s curriculum does cover many Comprehensive Sexuality Education concepts. Unfortunately, it is lacking in openly discussing rape and sexual assault, consent, LGBTQ identities, and how gender stereotypes can cause harm in intimate relationships and broader society. Meetings are public and anyone can participate, and will likely occur spring of 2025. https://www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-offices/school-board/school-board-committees.

Isabella Krueger

Austin, MN