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HHS Challenges California Over Sex Education Curriculum
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has strongly criticized California’s sex education programs, expressing concerns that the curriculum is inappropriate for young children. The federal agency alleges that materials being taught to children as young as ten years old are neither “age appropriate” nor “medically accurate,” specifically citing lessons involving sex toys and role-playing. This intervention from HHS signals potential federal repercussions for California’s approach to sex education.
Federal Agency Demands Review of Sex Education Materials
In a formal letter addressed to California’s health agency, HHS officials conveyed their disapproval of the state’s sex education curriculum content. The department asserted it would “not tolerate” the allocation of federal funds to programs that fail to adhere to federal guidelines regarding age-appropriateness and medical accuracy. HHS is now requiring California to submit all sex education materials used in schools for federal review before implementation.
Curriculum Content Under Scrutiny: Sex Toys and Role-Playing
Documents revealed by HHS indicate that instructors are directed to educate students about “sexual aids (commonly called ‘sex toys’ by youth)”. The curriculum also includes instructions to teach students about “role-plays that reflect the spectrum of sexual decision-making circumstances.” Furthermore, educators are prompted to employ “inclusive language,” utilizing they/them/theirs pronouns instead of traditional gendered pronouns.
California Faces Deadline to Respond
California authorities have been given a five-day ultimatum to officially respond to the HHS letter and address the outlined concerns. This federal action adds to the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California, particularly with Governor Gavin Newsom.
Clash with Trump Administration over State Policies
This move by HHS is the latest in a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting California. President Trump has previously challenged the state’s environmental regulations and criticized its handling of recent wildfires. The scrutiny of California’s sex education program underscores the widening ideological gap between the federal government and the state on various policy issues.
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Details of the Disputed Sex Education Program
Federal funding for sexual health education in US schools is provided through the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP), managed by the Administration for Children and Families, a division of HHS. This program’s objective is to enhance adolescent sexual health and reduce teenage pregnancy rates. A significant number of states, including California, participate in PREP.
- California received $5.8 million in PREP funds in 2022, making it the largest beneficiary.
- HHS guidelines permit the federal government to review program materials if concerns arise about medical accuracy or age-appropriateness.
- California’s program, as described by HHS, targets students aged 10 to 19, as well as pregnant and parenting youth up to age 21.
“Power Through Choices” Model: Key Concerns
California mandates sex education in middle and high schools, allowing local districts to select curricula. The “Power Through Choices” model, one of four approved options in California, is at the center of the HHS’s criticism due to its inclusion of sex toys and role-playing discussions.
Teacher Guidance and Curriculum Inclusivity
Teacher guidelines within the “Power Through Choices” model explicitly mention role-plays involving same-gender couples and discussions about “sexual aids (commonly called ‘sex toys’ by the youth)”. The curriculum justifies this by citing input from young people and professionals.
Furthermore, the materials emphasize “gender-inclusive language,” advocating for the use of they/them/theirs pronouns to reflect diversity and to be inclusive of “characters with same-gender sexual experience” and “language that does not gender bodies and body parts.”
Additional Curriculum Excerpts Highlighted by HHS
Further examples from teacher resources, also shared with DailyMail.com by HHS, reveal content intended to acknowledge diverse student experiences:
- Acknowledging that some students may have engaged in sexual intercourse, with varying degrees of consent.
- Addressing gender identity, distinguishing between assigned sex at birth and inner gender feelings, and explaining the concept of transgender identity.
This content appears to be at odds with the Trump administration’s stance, particularly an executive order issued in January that recognizes only two biological sexes: male and female.
Official Statement from HHS
Andrew Gradison, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families, stated that PREP grant recipients are expected to comply with all program requirements, ensuring materials are “medically accurate and complete” and “age-appropriate.” He emphasized the commitment to “radical transparency,” ensuring curriculum content is suitable for students.
California’s Department of Health has been requested to respond to the HHS concerns by April 1, 2025.
National Landscape of Sex Education
Sex education approaches in the US are diverse, ranging from abstinence-focused programs in some states to comprehensive programs covering contraception and STI prevention in others. While most states offer some guidance, implementation often varies significantly at the local school district level.
- Currently, 39 states mandate some form of sex education and/or HIV education.
- The CDC recommends covering 20 key sex education topics, but a 2018 survey indicated that fewer than half of high schools and less than a fifth of middle schools teach all of them.