PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Aaliyah Ansari, Teen Health Strategist at New York Civil Liberties Union
3:28:27
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142 sec
Aaliyah Ansari, representing the New York Civil Liberties Union, spoke in strong support of Resolution 94-2024, advocating for comprehensive sexuality education in New York schools. She emphasized the importance of age-appropriate, scientifically accurate information on topics like personal boundaries, healthy relationships, consent, and reproductive health.
- Highlighted research showing comprehensive sex ed reduces unintended pregnancies, STIs, and sexual violence
- Addressed the lack of transparency in NYC Public Schools regarding current sex ed curriculum
- Urged passage of the resolution to align with National Sexuality Education Standards and prioritize students' well-being
Aaliyah Ansari
3:28:27
Sorry.
3:28:27
Good afternoon, members and staff of the committees on education and women in gender equity.
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My name is Aaliyah Ansari, Sari, and I'm the Teen Health strategist for the New York Civil Liberties Union.
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I'm also a parent with over a decade of public health experience.
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I'm speaking in strong support of Resolution 942024.
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As we know, education is a cornerstone of informed, healthy, and thriving communities.
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Comprehensive sexuality education equips young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make responsible decisions about their health and relationships.
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It provides age appropriate scientifically accurate information on topics like personal boundaries, health relationships, consent, and reproductive health.
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Topics critical for navigating today.
Nadia Jean Francois
3:29:03
It's called growing up feeling good.
Aaliyah Ansari
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Research shows that comprehensive sexuality education programs improve outcomes for children, reducing rates of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and incidence of sexual violence.
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Beyond health benefits, this instruction fosters a more inclusive environment by addressing diversity in gender, sexual orientation, and cultural perspectives, helping to build empathy and reduce bullying.
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Opposition to sex ed often stems from misunderstanding and a lack of transparency.
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To be clear, a comprehensive sexuality education means providing developmentally appropriate lessons tailored to the student's age and needs, whether that's learning about personal safety in kindergarten or understanding consent reproductive health in high school.
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New York State does not currently require comprehensive sexuality education.
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This leads to some districts using inappropriate materials for instruction and some districts not providing any instruction at all.
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Unfortunately, efforts to gain transparency around the current sex education curriculum in New York Public Schools have faced significant delays.
3:30:00
While New York City has implemented a mandate for schools to teach sex ed, the district has not been forthcoming with its materials.
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Lewis Popona Partler, the NYCOU, submitted a FOIA request to New York City Public Schools over a year ago, seeking access to the curriculum and information regarding its instruction, yet we have still not received a complete response.
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This lack of transparency underscores the need of accountability and ensures that all stakeholders can have an informed understanding of the current educational framework both in New York City and beyond.
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New York has the opportunity to set a standard of education for its students' health and well-being.
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By aligning with the National Sexuality Education Standards, this legislation ensures our students receive the highest quality instruction preparing them to lead healthy, informed, and compassionate lives.
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I urge you to pass this resolution and advocate for legislation that prioritizes the well-being and future of our children.
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Thank you.
