NYCLU Report Criticized State Sex Education

A new review of 50 school districts found that most emphasize abstinence over comprehensive health instruction.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Sexual Health

NYCLU Report Criticized State Sex Education

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The New York Civil Liberties Union evaluated sex education curricula across 50 school districts, finding that 94% present abstinence as the primary or most effective option for students. The report aims to advocate for a standardized, comprehensive sexual health curriculum across New York.

Why it matters

The findings highlight a significant gap between current instructional practices and public health needs, particularly as sexually transmitted infections have risen 13% over the past decade. The NYCLU contends that outdated or incomplete information leaves students unprepared for risks related to consent and sexual health.

A 2025 analysis shows 28.5% of high school students report being sexually active, yet 56% of those students do not use condoms. Additionally, 24% of the 50 districts studied fail to adequately address topics like consent, sexual assault, and dating violence.

The players

New York Civil Liberties Union

This organization advocates for the protection of civil rights and liberties for all residents of New York.

Shenendehowa

This is a public school district in New York that received a failing grade from the report.

Schenectady

This is a public school district that received a C-minus grade and pledged to improve its curriculum.

Cairo

This is a school district cited for using outdated and medically inaccurate information regarding HIV.

The details

The NYCLU issued FOIL requests to gather materials, revealing instances such as Cairo district using HIV-related medical misinformation originally identified in 2012. While some districts like Schenectady are planning curriculum improvements, others like Shenendehowa received failing grades for their current programs.

1991: 54% of high school students reported having sex.
2003-2011: 60% of students reported condom use.
2012: The NYCLU conducted a previous review of sex education.
2024: The organization issued FOIL requests to school districts.
2025: 28.5% of high school students reported having sex.

The Big Picture

This report examines how current school policies align with New York state law regarding HIV instruction. The findings suggest that existing mandates are insufficient to ensure high-quality, comprehensive sexual health education across all districts.

Students and parents may encounter widely varying levels of sexual health information depending on their specific district. This disparity impacts how young people access accurate medical knowledge regarding contraception and preventative health practices.

The takeaway

The NYCLU report underscores a persistent tension between abstinence-only instruction and the actual behavior of New York adolescents. Families should verify the specific curriculum materials used by their local districts to determine if they align with current medical standards.