Most parents believe they should guide their children in discussions about sex, puberty, relationships, and values. However, the Sexuality Information and Education Council (SIECUS) aims to introduce its version of comprehensive sex education into classrooms across the United States. Their tool for this mission is a “report card” that evaluates each state’s adherence to SIECUS’s educational standards.
The SIECUS State Profiles Report Card, introduced in 2020, assesses states based on their alignment with SIECUS’s vision for sex education. This includes mandatory instruction on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pleasure-based sex education starting from elementary school. States allowing parental opt-out options or those requiring age-appropriate content are penalized unless they include LGBTQ+ affirmations.
The report card serves as an indicator of how much progressive ideology has influenced a state’s educational policies rather than simply assessing the quality of sex education related to human reproduction or safety. Lower scores often correlate with states that prioritize parental rights and offer what some consider more balanced sex education.
The 2025 report highlights contrasting approaches between California and Arizona. California received an A due to its comprehensive mandates on gender identity and sexual orientation while limiting abstinence-only teaching and parental opt-outs. SIECUS regards California as exemplary for its “sex-positive” approach. Conversely, Arizona earned an F because it emphasizes abstinence before marriage and discourages adolescent sexual activity.
SIECUS was founded in 1964 by Dr. Mary Calderone, previously the medical director for Planned Parenthood. From its inception, it aimed not just at educating children but at reshaping societal norms about sexuality through what it now calls “Sex Ed for Social Change.” This involves using sex education as a means to address issues like racial and gender inequality.
Financially robust, SIECUS reported over $4 million in revenue according to its 2021 IRS Form 990. Significant portions were allocated to salaries and lobbying efforts aimed at influencing legislation regarding sex education policies.
For those who prioritize parental control over children’s sexual health education, reading the SIECUS report card inversely might be insightful. States like Texas, Florida, and Idaho frequently receive low grades from SIECUS due to their opt-out policies and local control over curricula—factors some see as protecting parental rights.
In contrast, states earning high grades may sideline parents’ roles by embedding certain ideologies without requiring consent from them. For residents of such states, engaging with school boards might be necessary to address concerns over these educational practices.
