Dear Editor,
Massachusetts is a leader in so many ways – the first state to pass health care reform and legalize marriage equality. Now we’re the first state to elect an openly gay attorney general. Yet, when it comes to giving youth the information they need to make healthy decisions, Massachusetts trails behind. Massachusetts is one of only 16 states in the country that does not require any sexuality or HIV/STD education in schools.
As a parent invested in our community’s health, I believe school-based comprehensive sexuality education programs play an essential role in equipping young people with healthy relationship skills.
As the new legislative session begins, I hope State Representative John Velis and State Senator Don Humason will co-sponsor the Healthy Youth Act. This common sense bill would require any Massachusetts school electing to teach sexuality education to select a curriculum that’s medically accurate, age-appropriate, and truly comprehensive. The Healthy Youth Act will better align Massachusetts with other states promoting healthy behaviors while keeping the decision to offer sexuality education with individual school districts.
I hope Representative Velis and Senator Humason will step forward to support the Healthy Youth Act. Teens and their families need their leadership.
Sincerely,
C. Ronzoni
Westfield
