Sex Survey Not Approved By Elmbrook School Board Or District

BROOKFIELD, WI— The School District of Elmbrook apologized after it was made aware that a Brookfield Central High School teacher distributed an anonymous digital survey about sexual activity to students.

Brett Gruetzmacher, Brookfield Central principal, said in a statement that the survey was intended to initiate a conversation about abstinence and behaviors that can lead to sexually transmitted infections. "This survey was not approved through the District’s Human Growth and Development Curriculum, and should not have been delivered," Gruetzmacher said.

The district did not discuss which teacher administered the survey, nor did it say what actions would be taken against the teacher.

A parent expressed concern to the Elmbrook School Board during its meeting Tuesday dealing with the sexual behavior survey given to students.

Heidi Harrison told the board she had photos of a survey given to 10th graders in a Brookfield Central health class in December. Students were given the option to take the digital survey, which was anonymous and untraceable, Harrison said.

The questions on the survey asked for "true" or "false" answers or "yes, I have" or "no, I haven't" answers. The survey asked students to respond to statements such as the following, Harrison said.

• "I have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs when having sexual intercourse."
• "I've had sexual intercourse with 4 or more people."
• Other questions asked what type of sex a student had had, what method of birth control a student had used or if a student had had unprotected sex.

"This should not be asked of our 10th-grade children or any children underage," Harrison said.

Harrison asked why parents weren't asked about the survey. She added that parents should have the choice if their child should have sex education in school. "This questionnaire should be illegal, [in] my personal opinion," she said. "They are asking for sexual information from a minor."

Gruetzmacher's statement said District Policy 6142.3 regarding human growth and development is crystal clear.

“District recognizes the primary role that the family plays in developing values, attitudes, and behavior. Our role is to support the efforts of the family and facilitate the development of positive student self-esteem, a sense of personal responsibility, and the ability of students to make rational and intelligent decisions.

"Further, the policy states that 'Teachers shall follow and use only approved instructional lessons/materials for all human growth and development outcomes.'

"Unfortunately, in this instance, these expectations were not followed. No student-specific information was recorded during this survey and the survey, which was not affiliated with the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, will not be used again.

"Our number one goal for our students and staff is to feel safe in the school setting, and with this survey, we fell short of that goal. I am sorry and disappointed that this happened and will take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen again."