Nebo reviewing texts' approach to homosexuality

OREM — If the Nebo School District gets new textbooks for its high school psychology classes, then officials will consider how to teach about homosexuality in a manner that complies with district rules and state law, district officials said.

"We're not ordering anything. They're just looking at all social study books this year," said Nedra Call, Nebo's curriculum director.

A committee made up of teachers, parents and administrators focuses on the needs of social studies in the district and is going through textbooks used in the required and elective classes.

The psychology textbooks are seven years old, and some teachers have said they want to replace them, Call said. Teachers have looked through the latest editions of high school psychology textbooks — and have found many that mention homosexuality.

Teachers and administration have not had the chance to closely examine the books' approach to the topic and whether it violates district policy or state law, Call said.

State law prohibits schools from having textbooks that advocate homosexuality.

People will ask if schools can "acknowledge there is homosexuality or explain what it is. Isn't that OK because it's not advocating homosexuality? Usually, that is an acceptable position, except many school boards are in positions politically," said Carol Lear, coordinator for school law and legislation at the Utah State Office of Education.

Nebo School District, which has schools in some of the most conservative cities in Utah, crafted its policy to conform with state law, district spokeswoman Lana Hiskey said.

The Nebo School District Healthy Responsible Lifestyle Committee, also made up of teachers, administrators and parents, can "review materials that are of sensitive nature to see if they're under the guidelines of our policy," said Call.

If it's determined they do meet the policy's standards, then officials determine what grade level they'd be appropriate for, Call said.

Advance Placement psychology classes use a standard textbook to prepare students for an end-of-year exam that can garner college credits for students who pass.

The textbook is important to students' success in passing the AP test. So the district asks for parents' signed permission for their children to use the book, which parents are told may contain information they may not agree with.

Throughout February and March, representatives from about five prominent textbook companies visit Nebo offices to show their latest editions.

"I'm looking at one right here that has no mention of homosexuality," Call said Thursday afternoon about a Nextext book published by McDougal Littell.

"One book that one of the teachers is looking at talks about it in a way that it's a choice," Call said.

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