Dear Members of the Board of Elementary & Secondary Education,

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) and our supporters are thrilled that, with the new Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework, your administration has stated loud and clear that all students in the state of Massachusetts deserve health education that is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and based in science. We were proud to work on these standards in their formative phase and are proud to endorse them now.

As an organization and community committed to ending sexual violence, we are encouraged to know that standards in the curriculum framework will emphasize:

  • Bystander Empowerment: Students will learn effective strategies to help those who may be targeted by sexual violence, empowering them to support their peers and prevent violence.
  • Consent: Centering consent, highlighting one’s responsibility to check for consent, and respecting non-consent reduce victim blaming and focus on preventing decisions that harm others (i.e. abusive behaviors).
  • Healthy Relationships: Promoting positive skills such as empathy, listening, and non-violent conflict resolution fosters healthy relationships. Further, discussion of relationship violence highlights central issues of power and control, helping students recognize when they are at risk.
  • Inclusivity: Incorporating diverse gender, sexual, and other identities uplifts students’ individual dignity, creates safer environments, and helps prevent sexual and relationship violence.

We are strong advocates for the framework’s comprehensive range of sexual violence prevention strategies, including linking social influences to personal behaviors as well as creating health and safety standards at both the individual and community levels. Prevention education is most effective when students receive it before their first experience of suffering, or especially committing, violence.

We are energized knowing the framework will lead to educational continuity, filling previous gaps in curricula so that students’ learning about consent, for example, is consistent across grade levels.

At BARCC, we know that early education about consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and inclusivity prevents sexual violence. We also know all too well the violent consequences of inaction, misinformation, and educational iniquities.

In its age-appropriate and trauma-informed approach to healthy relationships, consent, and violence prevention, this framework helps equip Massachusetts students with the skills to foster health for themselves, their peers, and their communities. That is why together, we stand in support of the framework and look forward to its immediate implementation.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue and for your efforts to empower future generations and prevent sexual violence.

Sincerely,

Duane de Four Signature

Duane de Four
Interim Executive Director

Thank you for showing your support!

Name Location Comment Signed
Sabrina Marie Wadhams Everett, MA 8/27/2023
Jennifer Cook Watertown, MA 8/26/2023
Annamarie Williams Johannesburg, South Africa “Yes I support this framework.” 8/26/2023
Zoe Bleicher Brighton, MA 8/25/2023
Lucia Lansing Somerville, MA 8/25/2023
Sam Miller Waltham, MA “I believe in comprehensive health education.” 8/25/2023
Annie Connolly Somerville, MA 8/25/2023
Brock Christopherson Somerville, MA 8/25/2023
Katherine Lonergan Belmont, MA 8/25/2023
Julie Kahn-Schaye Cambridge, MA “The need for comprehensive, affirming, accurate health and wellness education for all Massachusetts youth continues to be a pressing need!” 8/25/2023
Emma Morehouse-Hulbert Brookline, MA 8/25/2023
Kaydee Vraspier Cambridge, MA “Ending the cycle of intimate partner and gender-based violence starts with prevention work via early education about consent and healthy relationships.” 8/25/2023
Shruti Gautam Columbia, MO 8/25/2023
Jessie Alvira Stow, MA 8/25/2023
Beth Grampetro Dedham, MA 8/25/2023
Emma Stewart Rukeyser Allston, MA 8/25/2023
Emma Neuner Boston, MA 8/25/2023
Hannah Linscott Cambridge, MA 8/25/2023
Martha Rogers Arlington, MA “I am a retired teacher and a survivor of incest. I deeply endorse BARCC’s advocacy for children’s right to a clear, balanced education about sexuality. The revised MA curriculum framework on sexual violence prevention strategies empowers children to recognize and uphold their own boundaries and understand that consent is a birthright.” 8/25/2023
Arleigha Cook, Esq. Cambridge, MA 8/25/2023
Savannah D. Boston, MA 8/25/2023
Alyssa Pascoe Somerville, MA 8/25/2023
Regina Walker Arlington, MA “I believe sex education is important because young people should know about their sexual reproductive systems to practice safe sex and create best preventative practices to reduce teen pregnancy, sexual violence, and STIs. “ 8/25/2023
Natalie Fenwick Boston, MA “All students deserve a comprehensive sex education “ 8/25/2023
Cathleen Bonner Seattle, WA “Sex education is more than understanding about pregnancy and STIs; children develop concepts of gender and discrimination so early. All schools should help children understand how harassment and assault impacts all people and communities, and teach them how to seek help.” 8/25/2023
Ciara Woodward Arlington, MA “Reducing sexual violence, domestic violence, STDs, and unwanted pregnancies begins with comprehensive, accurate sex education. If Massachusetts won’t require sex ed in public schools, they should at the very least require any information taught be medically accurate.” 8/25/2023
Shameka Gregory Cambridge, MA “Education is a key and crucial component in prevention. Let’s equip our young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make the right decision for themselves and know how to communicate when something isn’t okay. We have to pour everything we can into ending sexual violence.” 8/25/2023
Zaida Block Cambridge, MA 8/25/2023
Yashika Dewani Roxbury, MA 8/25/2023
Claire Schnadig Concord, MA 8/25/2023
Samantha Duggan Allston, MA 8/25/2023
Lizzie Jameson Cambridge, MA 8/25/2023
Lauren Glaser Boston, MA 8/24/2023
Grace Festa Milton, MA 8/24/2023
Jared Feldman Cambridge, MA 8/24/2023
Sarah Miller Needham, MA 8/24/2023
Veronica Severn Cambridge, MA 8/24/2023
Amanda Coppola East Boston, MA 8/24/2023
Marcela Perches Boston, MA “Sex education plays a crucial part in preventing rape and other forms of sexual abuse. Sex education allows a person to recognize behaviors leading up to sexual abuse and prevent it before it happens. The earlier a child can recognize these signs the more lives we can save. Additionally, the earlier children learn about sex education the more aware they become of their own actions. With comprehensive sex education, they can learn, recognize, prevent, and share knowledge with others who may not have access to this information. “ 8/24/2023
Kevin Niccoli Dalton, MA “This is important fundamental education.” 8/24/2023
Michael Milller Needham, MA 8/24/2023
Vinayak Sinha Somerville, MA “This is an important goal critical to improved health education. “ 8/24/2023
Micaela Godfrey Berlin, MA “This is a big issue that’s really important for the future generations to understand well.” 8/24/2023
Anna Miller Waltham, MA 8/24/2023
Li Yin Cheok Cambridge, MA 8/24/2023
Claire Valian Boston, MA 8/24/2023
Lisa Gyuro Brookline, MA 8/24/2023
Samuel Miller Boston, MA 8/24/2023
Lottie Hedden Boston, MA 8/24/2023
Natalie Fox Manhattan Beach, CA 8/24/2023
Giselle Higuera Newton Highlands, MA 8/24/2023
Beth Molnar Milton, MA “It’s about time. We have known for decades that providing comprehensive education about sexual health and healthy relationships is what young people need to live their best healthy lives. The scientific evidence supporting this has been there for many years.” 8/24/2023
Aren Briggs Wilmington, MA “Inclusive sex education saves lives.” 8/24/2023
Julie Scaramella Auburndale, MA 8/24/2023
Laura Golas Roslindale, MA 8/19/2023
Jonathan Beit-Aharon Newton, MA “I strongly support the notion that all students deserve health education that is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and based in consent.” 8/18/2023
Kelly Schomber Brighton , MA 8/18/2023
Navya Shetty Boston, MA “I am extremely passionate about educating the youth, especially through health education that is informative and not judgmental. It is important that people know their resources and preventive measures they can take to keep them safe.” 8/18/2023
Amy Blenk Boston, MA “As a longtime supporter of BARCC approaching the decade mark in my career as a Massachusetts public school teacher, I believe deeply in the value and importance of these new frameworks! DESE must value our students as whole humans, not just test scores.” 8/17/2023
Michele Chausse Danvers, MA 8/17/2023
Bree Allen Brookline, MA 8/17/2023
Rebecca Fisher Somerville, MA 8/17/2023
Ketura’h Edwards-Robinson Randolph, MA “As a women’s health nurse practitioner and as a SANE, I’ve observed firsthand the consequences of poor sexual health education among our young people and know that we need to be doing something differently.” 8/17/2023
Carol Anne Marchetti Reading, MA 8/16/2023
Samantha Singer Newton, MA “Children need to learn about this.” 8/16/2023
Carolyn Boudreau Arlington, MA 8/16/2023
Amanda Molina Dumas Mllbury, MA “Sex education saves lives – it’s just that simple!!” 8/16/2023
Jonathan Larson Northampton, MA 8/16/2023
Maria Pena Somerville, MA “I taught first grade for four years, and each year I felt that it was important to set the foundation for consent. As a class, we talked about when things are uncomfortable, we can talk to someone about it, like a trusted adult. We also discussed saying no, and respecting others when they say no. There was no curriculum for this though, it was something I felt was important to address, and it helped them navigate social situations as well.” 8/16/2023
Lorraine Kermond Somerville, MA 8/16/2023
Barbara Munsey Duxbury, MA “Sexual violence against a female of any age is unacceptable.  Preventable pregnancy should be a given at any age. I support BARCC.” 8/16/2023
Sami Greenberg Hyde Park, MA “I really appreciate the thought, care, and scope that are present in this new curriculum.” 8/16/2023
Lauren Glaser Jamaica Plain, MA 8/16/2023
Elizabeth Claggett-Borne Cambridge, MA “As a liscensed Family therapist (LMFT) in Massachusetts, I talk with desperate parents about the insidious misogynist messages teenagers receive about sexuality and gender. This important education curriculum can literally save lives. It prevents our teens from abusing themselves or others.” 8/16/2023
Roberta L Fox Newton Centre, MA “Massachusetts children should learn not only the so-called “facts of life”, but also understand what constitutes healthy relationships, consent, and how to intervene when they see others not following those principles.” 8/16/2023
Kate Shannon Boston, MA “Comprehensive sex ed is crucial for young adults to grow up in to safe, healthy adults who respect themselves and other people.” 8/16/2023
Brandon Douglas Somerville, MA 8/16/2023
Marisa Bartolotta Lowell, MA 8/16/2023
Emma Sipperly Boston, MA 8/16/2023
Karla Valentin Hyde Park, MA “This so important to support. When I was young, there was no information available for me and I went through a lot once I became older and aware of BARCC it was life-changing.” 8/16/2023
Kaitlin Cruz Everett, MA “I agree with BARCC’s statement to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education that all students deserve health education that is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and based in science. Consent is absolutely key, and the notion of inclusivity of diverse gender, sexual, and other identities in school education is so important and something that I wish I had learned more about while I was in school.” 8/16/2023
Clara Cahill Farella Framingham, MA 8/16/2023
Alexandra Kane Boston, MA “I want all students in Massachusetts to have all of the information and education that they need to make healthy decisions for themselves. The proposed education framework provides more opportunity for students to learn about healthy relationships, which will help all people in the Commonwealth lead better lives.” 8/16/2023
Beverly Greene Newton, MA 8/16/2023
Leslie Pucker Newton, MA 8/16/2023
Wendy Laporte Boston, MA “I’m exercising my civil rights because I’m homeless.” 8/16/2023
Bahar Sheikhi Wellesley, MA 8/16/2023
Katherine Canas Wellesley Hills, MA “All children should be well informed and educated on this topic.” 8/15/2023
Jennifer ONeill Norwood, MA 8/15/2023
Rachel Henba Tewksbury, MA 8/15/2023
Josef Blumenfeld Natick, MA 8/15/2023
Jacquelin Apsler Concord, MA “Well-balanced, inclusive, appropriate health education with an emphasis on consent and empowerment is vital for the mental health of our youth.” 8/15/2023
Megan OHara Roslindale, MA 8/15/2023
Lorraine  Bartone Lynn, MA 8/15/2023
Lisa Haggerty-DelDotto North Andover, MA “As a retired Massachusetts SANE, I have always felt that BARCC is the cornerstone of the mission to help end sexual violence through education, community involvement, and bringing empowerment and healing to all that have been victimized.” 8/15/2023
Laurie Johnston Milford, MA 8/15/2023
James Blandini Malden, MA 8/15/2023
Melanie Matson East Arlington, MA “This is important.” 8/15/2023
Maura McAuliffe Sharon, MA 8/15/2023
Rachel Fish Cambridge, MA “Sex education is incredibly important. I have 3 children in public schools and want them to have quality education that includes health and sexual health education.” 8/15/2023
Wendi Guraziu Somerville, MA “In all matters- sexual, racial etc. – ignorance on a topic feeds mistrust, fear, and acts of violence.” 8/15/2023
Deborah Dondzik Duxbury, VT 8/15/2023
Alex Lipman Needham, MA “Sex education is key in ensuring that our teens have the correct information to make informed choices and having the proper information about contraception.” 8/15/2023
Alaina Kinol Boston, MA “It is essential to teach consent as early and often as possible to ensure that everyone knows that they and no one else have the right to choose what happens to their body.” 8/15/2023
Lisa Cleverdon Ipswich, MA “I strongly believe in a comprehensive sex education program appropriate & geared toward all ages. Education is knowledge,  knowledge is safety & protection and strength to make the right choices.” 8/15/2023
Ana Maria Ramos Brookline, MA “As a parent to young kids, I want my children to learn necessary skills and information from a comprehensive sex education curriculum. I support the Healthy Youth Act as a parent and a professional.” 8/15/2023
Kaeli Huh Medford, MA “Consent is an everybody issue. However, we simply cannot expect people to give consent if they’ve never received a comprehensive sex education. Knowledge is power.” 8/15/2023
Jo Gray Newton, MA “This kind of comprehensive and inclusive health education is what we need more of to keep people informed, educated and safe!” 8/15/2023
Margaret Coffey Medford, MA 8/15/2023
Norma Egan Somerville, MA “Sex education is extremely important. As the mother of a teenager, I know that I can teach at home but having this taught in school with his peers is just as important.” 8/15/2023
Rachel Banderob Wilmington, MA 8/15/2023
Brenna Oliver Wakefield, MA 8/15/2023
Rebecca Epstein Bedford, NH “Young people deserve to understand their bodies, risks, and especially consent. Abstinence education does not work.” 8/15/2023
Ruth Schmidt Arlington, MA 8/15/2023
Rachel Cann Boston, MA 8/15/2023
Michael Francis North Andover, MA 8/15/2023
Jean MacRae Newton, MA 8/15/2023
Maria Cordoba Acushnet, MA 8/15/2023
Daisy Wang Boston, MA “I believe that in order for everyone to have the ability to live a healthier and more joyous life, we all deserve adequate education like this new framework is proposing.” 8/15/2023
Ashleigh Stephenson Cambridge, MA 8/15/2023
Susan Staples Lawrence, MA 8/15/2023
Becky Kung Boston, MA 8/15/2023
Emily Hansen Boston, MA 8/15/2023
Kennedy Kearney-Fischer Malden, MA “Sexual violence is extremely pervasive in our society, and we owe it to our young people to do everything we can to protect them from it. That starts with empowering them with knowledge about their bodies, consent, healthy relationships, and how and when to intervene for others.” 8/15/2023
Edson Lacerda Brighton, MA 8/15/2023
Lisa Rivera Haverhill, MA “Children should be given a better understanding on the importance of education. While some conversations may not occur at home due to the discomfort of a parent not knowing where to begin, school can provide that.” 8/15/2023
Jessica Atkinson Roslindale, MA 8/15/2023
Laura DiMaria Quincy, MA “All students deserve health education that is inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and based in consent. It takes us one step closer to preventing sexual violence and building a safer future for all!” 8/15/2023
Madeleine Lachevre Somerville, MA 8/15/2023
Drew Hogg Hampton, NH “The mission is important and impactful to the future of the world to understand and incorporate this stuff into everyday cirriculum so that students can learn earlier on and start them on the right path, initiating it rather than correcting it later in life when it could be too late.” 8/15/2023
Jill Reilly South Boston, MA “We need to put BARCC out of business by supporting its work to end sexual violence. The Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework will support that mission by providing students with inclusive health education that will help to build a safer future for all of us.” 8/15/2023
Kathleen Cohen Needham, MA 8/15/2023
Jennifer Rheaume Belmont, MA “People should not have sex without being fully informed and educated.” 8/15/2023
Carolyn Marsden Walpole, MA 8/15/2023
Yelena Gorbovets Medford, MA “Great cause and organization to be a part of.” 8/15/2023
Ashley Augulewicz Beverly, MA “Consent and healthy relationships are absolutely necessary for the curriculums that educate our youth in MA and beyond. “ 8/15/2023
Natalie Hill Medford, MA “Sex Ed keeps young people safe!” 8/15/2023
Laura Tourtellotte Somerville, MA 8/15/2023
Alina Fein Cambridge, MA “Comprehensive sex education is life changing and life saving.” 8/15/2023
Colleen McGuire Allston, MA 8/15/2023
Katherine Manners Natick, MA 8/15/2023
Jodi Ferber Watertown, MA “I’m a survivor. Thank you.” 8/15/2023
Jessica Ortega Brookline, MA “I believe that comprehensive sex education is needed to improve the health and safety of our community “ 8/15/2023
Alyssa Helmling Somerville, MA “Comprehensive sex ed is critical for creating healthy understanding of consent and sex.” 8/15/2023
Yvonne Elizabeth Ashworth North Grafton, MA “I’m a survivor.” 8/15/2023
Dominick Knowles Medford, MA “PE courses, in my experience, have been hotbeds of misogyny, transphobia, fatphobia, ableism, and racism. Young people deserve an inclusive and consent-based education that takes physical and social difference into account.” 8/15/2023
Hailey Hansen New Paltz, NY 8/15/2023
Madison Bell Boston, MA “As a social worker supporting survivors of sexual harm, I am particularly familiar with the challenges, and really the tragedies, that result when our youth do not have access to research-based, inclusive, appropriate health education. While I’m proud of the efforts my colleagues and I make to address sexual violence at the University level, I can say from my experience that effective prevention and education must begin years earlier if we want to meaningfully reduce rates of sexual violence and ensure that our young people are confident, healthy, and empowered. The children and teens of MA deserve better, and I’m confident that this Curriculum Framework is a wonderful and necessary leap in the right direction.”

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