Nebraska Governor Fearful of Teaching Children About Their Bodies

Context: Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts (Republican) put out a press release against updates to Nebraska Health Education updates that aim to teach children about their bodies, gender identities, and how to identify unwanted touch etc. He included the instruction for parents to read the update proposals and contact about this issue, most likely with the assumption that fearful parents would be appalled by the idea of educating children. 

https://www.1011now.com/2021/03/12/gov-ricketts-wants-proposed-sex-education-standards-scrapped-calls-some-updates-age-inappropriate/ 

The new sex education and health standards can be viewed by clicking here. The public can submit formal comments by emailing nde.standardsinput@nebraska.gov.

I wrote a thank you to those who would update the standards:

To Whom It May Concern, 

I am not a parent, but I am a taxpayer and an aunt to 10 children, at least one of whom has told us of her transgender status. After being directed to your pdf of updates and given your email by our fear-mongering governor, I wanted to advise you I applaud the updates to Nebraska's Health Education Standards.

As you know, it is crucial to teach children at an early age about how to be aware of different genders and identifications as well as to have control over their bodies and understand what to do about inappropriate and unwanted touch or attention. It's never too early because abusers aren't waiting for a certain age, and our governor proves not all children are living with safe or well-informed adults. This kind of information can prevent children from abuse and even suicide and is well worth pursuing despite fearful attacks you may be receiving. 

It is disheartening that an elected public servant is trying to motivate people based upon fear, miseducation and hatred of others. This only proves the need for this instruction. I thank you for trying to advance Nebraska Health Education to be truthful, inclusive, proactive, and progressive. Children need to have actual facts and information as our own governor makes it evident there are people (parents/guardians) who are unwilling or unfit to have truthful conversations with youth that need answers. 

Again, thank you for your updates to the Health Education system for Nebraska. I wanted to reach out and be a positive voice to tell you that you are doing the right thing by being truthful, inclusive, and proactive. This is what is needed to protect and empower future generations.

Best of luck

Sincerely,

X

 I also wrote an email to PRicketts telling him that he is unfit, something I get to do way too often.

Greetings, Gov. P. Ricketts,

In regards to your press release on updating Nebraska Health Education Standards, I am disappointed that you want to deny essential education to young children. You rely on fear-mongering and your own miseducation and you put Nebraska children and families at risk from your ignorance. 

You claim this information is "age-inappropriate". If you are not aware, children of any age can be bullied or abused and it is essential that they are given the knowledge and tools to identify this and seek help. Abusers don't wait until children reach a certain age. Not giving children proper information can lead to abuse or even suicide. 

There is nothing "political" about children learning the proper terms for their genitalia, or learning about differing genders, or learning about adoption, or same sex parents, as shown in the lessons for the younger classes. You don't seem to grasp what science is since you claim this is non-scientific instruction. 

If you are unaware, as a public servant to Nebraskans, you answer to hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and the people who love and support them, including me and my family. If you are unwilling to serve ALL Nebraskans, I ask that you step down from your position. Your ignorance and misinformation is disruptive and dangerous to everyone in this state. 

Disappointed in you as always, 

X