One of the most controversial issues dealing with an AIDS awareness program is the methods school systems use to combat the problem. A common method has become the discussion and distribution of condoms in the public schools. One side argues that children who plan to have sex will participate in intercourse no matter what we believe. They believe that the process of obtaining condoms is often too difficult and embarrassing. These advocates for condom distribution believe that by encouraging the use of condoms is in fact encouraging “safe sex” and saving lives.
Those in opposition of condom distribution in public schools believe that by giving condoms to our youth we are in fact giving the “green light” to them to participate in sexual activity. They believe that we are compromising our moral values and tainting our society. In fact, they believe that we may be putting our children in a position where they feel more pressure to engage in sexual intercourse.
Obviously there are merits in both sides of the issue. This issue has stirred up much heated debate. Condom distribution in the public school began in the high schools but has now begun to slowly find its way into our middle schools as well. Parents may feel that their rights are being violated; and that it is not the school’s right to make such decisions that may seriously affect their children’s lives.
In Alfonso, New York, a high school created a condom distribution program that provided high school students with access to condoms in an attempt to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. Counselors were also provided to give additional help and information about the AIDS virus. Parents who were not in agreement with the program had no say in whether or not their children could participate in the program. All services rendered were private and confidential.
Parents argued that the condom distribution program violated a statute which would require a school system to obtain parental consent before administering health services to their children. In this case (Alfonso v. Fernandez) three factors were considered in deciding the case: “1) law requiring parental consent for health services 2) parents’ right to free exercise of religions and 3) due process rights of parents to raise their children and teach them doctrines of their religious beliefs.” (Forbes 134)
Lesson l:
Students discuss the case “Alfonso v. Fernandez”. Students will investigate all information supporting legal rights of the parents. Each student will need to identify the rights. They will also need to find information that they feel will support each side As a result, they will need to develop a hypothesis to which side won the case.
Lesson 2:
As a part of an AIDS awareness program, a guest speaker will come to discuss preventatives to the HIV virus. Depending on the district’s policy, condoms may or may not be distributed.
