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Anthony Comstock and US Congress
Anthony Comstock, an official of the New York Society for the Supression of Vice, passes a law prohibiting the mailing of obscene across state lines with the help of U.S. Congress. Obsecene material included birth control information and devices. -
Lectures and Panels
As early as 1880, groups such as the YMCA, YWCA, and the Child Study Association sponsored lectures and panels on sex-related topics. -
Discussion of Education
As early as 1890, the National Education Association and the National Congress of Parents and Teachers discussed the possibility of sexuality education in schools. -
Havelock Ellis
First publication of six-volume series entitled "Studies in the Physiology of Sex" addressing the following topics: masturbation, orgasm, degrees of homo and heterosexuality, sexual desire of women,variations of human sexuality, need for sexuality education, removal of laws concering contraception and sexual behavior. -
American Society of Sanitary and Moral Prophylaxis
Society is formed to erase venereal disease through treatment and education. -
Margaret Sanger
Sanger opens first birth control clinic in the United States, providing imformation to the public. Clinic eventually advances to be the founding stones of Planned Parenthood, one of the largest modern providers of sexality education. -
1919 White House Conference on Child Welfare
Conference states that "the problem of [sex] instruction becomes more properly a task of the school". -
U.S. Government Printing Office
Office publishes two resources: "A High School Course in Physiology in Which the Facts of Sex are Taught" and "The Problem of Sex Education in Schools". -
U.S. Public Health Service
The pamphlet "High Schools and Sex Education" is published which contains a suggested outline of a course for teachers on sexuality education in secondary schools. -
American Social Heath Association (ASHA)
ASHA launches a nation-wide program for family-life education. -
Sex Education Series
The Joint Committee on Health Problems in Education of the National Education Association and the American Medical Association publish five pamphlets that were referred to as the "Sex Education Series". Series consisted of "Parents' Privilege", "A Story About You", "Finding Yourself", "Learning About Love", and "Facts Are Not Enough". -
U.S. Office of Education
Office supports and encourages family-life and sexuality education programs at all levels in the early 1960's. Support is extended to teacher training programs. -
Masters and Johnson
Masters and Johnson publish "Human Sexual Response", communicating basic information on human functioning. -
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The 1970's
Stronger preparation for sexuality educators. New goal of "promotion of sexual health". Role of values in sexuality education is questioned. Social issues including women's rights, reproductive rights, and gay rights fuel sexuality education development. -
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The 1980's
Adolescent Family Life Act is designed to prevent pregnancy. Legislation emphasizes abstinence-only-until-marriage programs. HIV/AIDS epidemic sparks HIV/AIDS education and prevention funding. -
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The 1990's
Sexuality Education is viewed as the problem, not the solution. U.S. surgeon general fired for stating children should learn about masturbation. -
Abstinence-Only Education
Federal agencies prompted major funding (over $1 billion) for abstinence-only education. -
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The 2000's
The first ever federal funding for comprehensive education is introduced. Sexuality education becomes an issue in the presidential race between Obama and McCain. -
Sexuality Education Requirement
22 states and the District of Columbia require schools to provide sexuality education with parental notification. 33 states and the District of Columbia require schools to provide HIV education. Only 12 require information to be medically accurate.
