Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Comprehensive Sex Education in the United States: Current Disparities, Pedagogy, and Public Policy Implications

Abstract

As of 2017, only 22 states and the District of Columbia mandate education about both sex and HIV. Two states mandate sex education only and 12 others mandate only HIV education (Guttmacher Institute, 2017). Even in those states providing sex education, students often only receive a standard curriculum that does not consider the intersection of geography, political economy, individual and cultural differences, and level of sexual activity. While funded inclusive education and resources are greatly needed, there are few policies that require support and advocate for national sex-education standards. In response to this crisis, inclusive sex education programs have emerged in local communities throughout the nation. This conceptual paper will review the current literature on sex education programs for urban youth and minorities, spotlight pedagogy efficacy, current policies, and advocacy that address these disparities in sex education for urban youth and minorities. Implications for future research are also discussed. Keywords: inclusive sex education, urban culture, policy reform, pedagogy efficacy