Arizona Law vs. Planned Parenthood in Tempe High Schools

To confirm the Tempe Union High School District’s invitation to Planned Parenthood, I sent an email to the chair of the “Sex Education Committee”, Zita Johnson.  Ms. Johnson is a former school board member and retired administrator/teacher at the child study lab at Arizona State University.  She has an admirable resume, who better to lead this group?  After all, she must care about the children.

However, in 2012 Arizona enacted a law that clearly states all public and charter schools must prefer pregnancy and adoption over abortion in their curriculum.  I asked Ms. Johnson if she would be inviting a pregnancy center to the schools to teach about adoption.  See the email chain below:

From: Zita Johnson
Date: Thursday, December 19, 2013 10:53 AM
To: Peggy McClain
Subject: Re: TUHSD sex education curriculum committee

Dear Peggy,

The meeting is scheduled for January 7, 4:30 pm, at the TUHSD District Office.

Vicki Hadd-Wissler, in her position as Director of Eduction for Planned Parenthood AZ, is familiar with current comprehensive sex ed curriculum programs for grades 9-12. She has assisted other school districts in the state in reviewing these programs. She was recommended to the committee because of her expertise and her knowledge of the curriculum programs.

The committee will be reviewing several comprehensive sex education curriculum programs. Comprehensive programs have in their content pregnancy and adoption information.

Again, thanks very much for your interest!

Zita


On 18 December 2013 09:11, Peggy McClain wrote:

Hi Zita,

When is this meeting?

Why Planned Parenthood?

Will you be balancing PP with pregnancy and adoption centers?

Thanks, Peggy


On Dec 18, 2013, at 8:55 AM, Zita Johnson wrote:

Dear Peggy,

Yes, Vicki Hadd-Wissler who is the Director of Education for Planned Parenthood, AZ is on the agenda for the next meeting of the committee. She will make a presentation regarding comprehensive sex ed curriculum programs for the committee to consider.

The committee has identified some programs which may fit the direction that the Governing Board has tasked us with. Vicki’s presentation will provide the committee with more details about these programs which it will use in moving toward its eventual recommendation to the Board.

Thanks so much for your interest. Please don’t hesitate to get back to me if you have more questions.

Zita


On 17 December 2013 16:40, Peggy McClain wrote:

Hi Ms. Johnson,

Thanks for calling. My schedule is different everyday so e-mail is good for me.

I heard a representative from Planned Parenthood will be coming to TUHSD to advise. Is this true? If so, can you explain why and what assets they are bringing?

Thanks, Peggy


—- Zita Johnson wrote:
Ms. McClain,I am facilitating the sex ed curriculum committee at TUHSD and received a message that you would like some information. I called your number and left a voice mail. Please let me know a good time to call you back and if one number is better than another for reaching you.
Thanks! I look forward to speaking with you!

Zita Johnson

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