Sex Ed in the Community, If Not Schools

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As state law restricts sexual education curriculum, and who can teach it in schools, community organizations are taking up the task.

Earlier this year, an HIV advocacy group in Baton Rouge launched a program called Fantastic Young Individuals. On March 31, the second session of FYI begins, with students learning the basics of reproductive health.

Every Tuesday evening for six weeks, students meet for class at HAART's office.

S'Marrione Jackson graduated from FYI's first session said what she learned in the program she hadn't gotten at home or school. 

"HAART is maybe the first program that I know to actually teach in depth about sexual education," Jackson said. 

For example, at FYI students are given the opportunity to practice proper condom usage and learn about various contraception methods. 

Like 19 other parishes across the state, East Baton Rouge Parish public schools use a curriculum from the Governor's Abstinence Education Program. "Parents or guardians are considered the primary source of sex education for their children," EBR Parish School System Executive Director of Communications KeithBromery said in an email.

But Chasity Williams, a Baton Rouge Magnet High School junior who also graduated from FYI, said her family didn't talk to her about sex much. 

"I think it's just something that's stayed away from that's ventured from because they think that if they talk to you about it." Williams said. "Maybe they think that it will increase your chances of doing it."

HAART's visitors are welcome to take free condoms as they leave the office, and students participating in FYI can do the same.

One Tuesday night, James Harrison was restocking his supply to pass out to his Madison Preparatory Academy classmates, some of whom are sexually active.

"Some people say stuff, saying, 'Hey you need to lose your virginity,'" Harrison said. "Or, 'Hey, instead of you giving away condoms from HAART that they give you, you should be using them,' stuff like that, and I be trying to sexually educate people."

Harrison is doing exactly what HAART hopes the students who graduate from the program will do, simply provide accurate information about sexual health for their peers.

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