Chicago Schools Teach Kids About Gender Identity

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has implemented a sexual education curriculum that begins in kindergarten, focusing on human anatomy and progressively introducing concepts such as gender identity and puberty blockers by fifth grade. This curriculum was revealed by the parental rights nonprofit Parents Defending Education, which highlighted concerns over the timing and content of these lessons amid alarming academic performance statistics in the district. Currently, only 31% of elementary students in CPS are proficient in reading, slightly below the national average, while a mere 19% demonstrate proficiency in math, significantly trailing behind national figures. Critics argue that the emphasis on "health and safety" programming may detract from essential learning time, raising questions about the priorities of the school system. Michele Exner, a senior adviser for Parents Defending Education, noted that only one in six third graders in Chicago can read at grade level. The curriculum progresses through various grades, with first graders learning about gender roles and stereotypes, and second graders advocating for change. By fourth grade, students engage with concepts of gender identity and expression through tools like the "Gender Snowperson," while fifth graders are introduced to terms such as "cisgender," "non-binary," and "transgender" using a "Gender Unicorn." Prior to this revelation, CPS had denied multiple requests for information regarding its sexual education materials, including a federal Freedom of Information Act request from The Daily Caller, raising further concerns about transparency in the district's educational practices.