Teens speak out against abstinence-only

Two teenage girls in Illinois were suspended for two days for wearing homemade shirts that said “Safe sex or no sex” and were decorated with condoms. The superintendent called the shirts “inappropriate and a distraction at school.” Fair enough, but I don’t really buy that the only problem the administration had with this was the medium of their protest, like they’re trying to claim:

Moreover, he said, the students should have pursued other avenues to express themselves. Namely, in the schools character education program. “Safe Sex or No Sex” can be addressed in a classroom setting.

“They can have a discussion with adults, with students of their own age and hear viewpoints from other students as well that may disagree with what they’re saying,” Cappel said.

While it doesn’t sound like the protest is going to do much to change the school district’s policy on sex education, this got media coverage the way a classroom discussion wouldn’t have. Major props to these two girls, and the rockin’ dad who supported them: “They’re teenagers. I’m realistic.” Next time, they should try one of these outfits.