N.C. sex ed. curriculum changed to remove references to homosexuality (7799)

School administrators in Wake County, N.C., have removed most references to homosexuality from the school board's sex education curriculum, despite a decision three months ago to include more instruction about gays and lesbians, The [Raleigh, N.C.] News & Observer reports. The school board voted 5-4 in November to add more instruction on contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases, the effects of teen pregnancy, and tolerance for gays and lesbians. But in the newly revised curriculum announced last week, all but one reference to sexual orientation have been removed or changed. Also deleted are recommended classroom activities to promote tolerance. School officials say that despite the changes to the curriculum, they are committed to promoting an atmosphere of tolerance for gays and lesbians.