As the new school year kicks off, students across the nation are faced with a myriad of assignments, but one Utah mother was left astounded by a particular questionnaire her daughter received in class. Mary Thompson expressed her horror upon discovering the content of a form required for her daughter’s Adult Roles and Financial Literacy course at Green Valley High School.
Thompson’s daughter, Emily, a junior at the school, was tasked with completing a series of 30 probing questions, which included inquiries like “Have you ever engaged in sexual activity in a public place?” and “How many times have you had an abortion?” Such questions have raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among parents, with many questioning the appropriateness of this kind of assignment.
“My daughter felt that the questionnaire was not only invasive but also perpetuated a heteronormative agenda,” Thompson shared. She believes that the class, which is supposed to cover essential topics like family values and financial literacy, should not delve into such personal and sensitive matters that could lead to shame and judgment among students.
The assignment also included a scoring system reminiscent of outdated quizzes that many would find uncomfortable at best. Comments like “Just where you should be at your age” left many wondering who determines these standards. “It’s alarming that someone in a position of authority would ask such personal questions,” Thompson stated. The emotional toll on students can be significant, as Emily returned home feeling dejected and judged.
Despite pressure to complete the assignment, Emily chose to abstain from answering the invasive questions. Following this incident, Thompson met with the school’s administration, who acknowledged the oversight and pledged to discontinue the use of the questionnaire. However, Emily has yet to receive an apology from the teacher involved. The intent behind the questionnaire was reportedly to promote “self-awareness regarding risky behaviors,” but many argue that this approach is fundamentally flawed.
Shaming teenagers regarding their personal lives is unlikely to foster healthy discussions about their choices. Instead of promoting open dialogue, this method can lead to feelings of worthlessness and confusion. Hopefully, this outdated questionnaire will be retired for good, making way for more constructive and respectful ways to engage students in discussions about their lives.
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In summary, the recent incident surrounding the invasive questionnaire highlights the need for a more thoughtful approach to educating teens about personal matters, steering clear of shaming tactics.