LINCOLN- The proposed health education standards released by the Nebraska Department of Education is striving to ensure students receive a comprehensive health education through learning about gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and gender stereotypes. This is the first time the department has created health education standards.

The department says this is a step in the right direction to “promote dignity and respect for people of all genders, gender expression and gender identity, including other students, their family members, and members of the school community.”

Students would begin to learn these topics in first grade. By the time students reach third grade they would be able o define sexual orientation and discuss how people express their gender. In fourth, they would be able to differentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity while also knowing differences between sex and gender. In sixth, they will have comprehensive knowledge on gender issues.

The draft also includes a focus on social, emotional and mental health that delves into managing emotions and understanding peer influence as well as how to safely use digital media. Students will also tackle racial biases, stereotypes, discrimination, the 'isms' and sexual development.

The department is seeking feedback and there will be opportunities for public input.

Governor Pete Ricketts is calling for the plan to be completely scrapped. “The new standards from the department would not only teach young children age-inappropriate content starting in kindergarten, but also inject non-scientific, political ideas into curriculum standards,” he said.

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