JUNE 2023: After filing a public records request (PRR), Ms F. Sheldon, an El Modena parent, received startling evidence of training being offered to high school students to be sexual and reproductive health experts. Sheldon found an interesting pamphlet included in the correspondence emails provided to her in response to her PRR. The pamphlet was provided as part of material distributed to students during a Plan Parenthood on-campus visit to the school last April 2023. The program, which Planned Parenthood sponsored, mentioned training courses being offered in the Orange and San Bernardino counties. The pamphlet was geared toward minors and high-school-aged adults.
Sheldon found the effort questionable and wondered if high school students were truly capable of sharing knowledge with other students their age and fully grasping the importance of informed consent. Additionally, Sheldon felt that the pamphlet seemed to advertise specific services offered by Planned Parenthood. The training courses seemed to be a way to secure future customers for the organization.
Planned Parenthood was invited by the student-led Democrat club from the school to present information, using their 1st Amendment right to free speech.
