EducateUS Candidate Pledge

EducateUS is a new c4 advocacy organization building a movement of voters for whom quality public school relationships and sexuality education is a litmus test issue at the ballot box.

Even though strong majorities across the country support public school relationships and sexuality education, it is one of the primary programs targeted by right-wing attacks because it is a powerful vehicle for social change, with the potential to lay the foundation for a long-term culture shift that positively impacts individuals & society, particularly on issues of gender and racial equity, sexual and reproductive justice, and violence prevention. At a time when reproductive rights and health care for people who can get pregnant, LGBTQ people, and communities of color are under increasing attack, sex education offers a comprehensive policy solution to ensure future generations value and respect bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, LGBTQ equality, healthy relationships and gender-based tolerance and inclusion.

We are offering candidates the opportunity to take our pledge committing to support relationships and sexuality education and to oppose attempts to ban, censor or introduce misinformation in these curricula that are essential to students' current and future well-being.

Once you take the pledge, we will provide you with graphics you can use to tell your voters you're a Sex Ed Candidate!

The pledge is as follows:

Because studies show that no matter where we live or who we love, a strong majority of us want young people to receive relationships and sexuality education at school -- including most parents.

Because we know that when young people have the support of well-trained educators in learning about themselves and their boundaries, they do better. This kind of education protects young people against bullying and abuse, helps them develop healthy relationship skills, and improves their academic performance.

Because every parent always has the right to opt their individual children out of sex ed lessons.

Because I believe that school should a place where every child can get the education they need to truly thrive.

• I will support the implementation of a K-12 relationships and sexuality curriculum that meets or exceeds the National Sex Education Standards (Second Edition) in the schools in my jurisdiction.
• I will support the implementation of curricula that move the schools in my jurisdiction closer to complying with the national sex ed standards.
• I will oppose any attempt to ban or censor relationships and sexuality education, including opposing “opt-in” policies, bans on “explicit materials” and "divisive concepts," and all efforts to ban or curtail affirming discussions of gender and sexual identity, such as “don't say gay or trans” style rules.
• I will oppose efforts to introduce misinformation and disinformation into the curriculum, including in the form of abstinence-only or “sexual risk avoidance” curricula.
• I will ensure that all school policies are based on evidence and facts, whenever possible.

**please note that signing our pledge does not constitute an endorsement of your candidacy by EducateUS