'Sex Survey' Not Approved Through Elmbrook School District

© Shutterstock A parent expressed concern to the Elmbrook School Board on Tuesday regarding a sexual behavior survey given to Brookfield Central students.

BROOKFIELD, WI— Elmbrook School District is apologizing after they were made aware of that a Brookfield Central teacher had engaged students in an anonymous, digital survey regarding sexual activity.

According to a statement from Brett Gruetzmacher, Brookfield Central principal, the survey was intended to initiate a conversation about abstinence and behaviors which can lead to sexually transmitted infections.

Gruetzmacher said the "This survey was not approved through the District’s Human Growth and Development Curriculum, and should not have been delivered."

A parent expressed concern to the Elmbrook School Board during its meeting on Tuesday regarding a sexual behavior survey given to students.

Heidi Harrison told the board she had photos of a survey given to 10th graders in a Brookfield Central Health class in December. According to Harrison, students were given the option to take the digital survey which was anonymous and untraceable.

The questions on the survey were answered with a true or false and yes, I have or no, I haven't options.

Harrison said the survey asked students to respond to statements such as:

• "I have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs when having sexual intercourse.
• "I've had sexual intercourse with 4 or more people."
• Other statements, according to Harrison, asked what type of sex the student has had, method of birth control used and asked if the student had unprotected sex.

"This should not be asked of our 10th-grade children or any children underage," Harrison said.

Harrison asked why parents weren't asked how they felt about the survey. She added parents should have the choice if their child should learn about sex education in school.

This questionnaire should be illegal, (in) my personal opinion. They are asking for sexual information from a minor."

Gruetzmacher's statement said District Policy 6142.3 regarding Human Growth and Development is crystal clear that the:

“District recognizes the primary role that the family plays in developing values, attitudes, and behavior. Our role is to support the efforts of the family and facilitate the development of positive student self-esteem, a sense of personal responsibility, and the ability of students to make rational and intelligent decisions.”

Further, the policy states that “Teachers shall follow and use only approved instructional lessons/materials for all human growth and development outcomes.”

Unfortunately, in this instance, these expectations were not followed. No student-specific information was recorded during this survey and the survey, which was not affiliated with the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, will not be used again.

Our number one goal for our students and staff is to feel safe in the school setting, and with this survey, we fell short of that goal. I am sorry and disappointed that this happened and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again."