Recent graduate urges district to expand reproductive and sexual health instruction
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Summary
Autumn Real, a recent Whitefield High School graduate, urged the Harrison School District 2 Board to broaden reproductive and sexual-health education, citing Colorado law that does not require such instruction and saying many students still have unanswered questions.
A recent graduate spoke to the Harrison School District 2 Board on Sept. 25 urging expanded reproductive and sexual-health instruction in district classrooms.
Her request matters because she argued that gaps in instruction leave many students without basic knowledge about menstruation and other reproductive topics.
Autumn Real, who identified herself as a recent Whitefield High School graduate, told the board she was visiting multiple school boards to press for changes. ‘‘According to Colorado state law, it is not required for schools to provide [sex] or HIV instruction. However, it is referred to as a right of youth,’’ she said, urging the district to examine biology and sexual-health instruction and to include material about periods, same-sex relationships, pregnancy, and irregular periods. Real said survey-style figures showed many students still had questions and felt embarrassed discussing menstruation.
The board president responded that district staff would follow up with Real and that someone from the district would reach out for more information.
The comment was part of the meeting’s public-comment agenda; the board noted it would review the material and respond later as appropriate. The board did not take immediate action on the request during the Sept. 25 meeting.