NDE releases revision of proposed health education standards

State education officials on Thursday a second draft of proposed health education standards. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — State education officials on Thursday a second draft of proposed health education standards.

The first draft, which included lessons for young children on gender identity and gender expression, drew public backlash across the state.

SEE ALSO: 47 Nebraska school districts object to sex ed standards

Following public comment sessions over the past several month, the Nebraska Department of Education stripped most references to gender identity from the standards.

Gender identity is mentioned only twice: once in a glossary where it is defined as “internal, deeply held thoughts and feelings about gender,” and in lessons about maturity and development that talks about recognizing “biological sex and gender identity may or may not differ.”

NDE is still seeking public input on the proposed standards.

The standards provide guidance, and it will be up to individual school districts to choose whether to implement them.

You can read the full second draft HERE.

What do you think of the changes? Cast your vote in our poll below and see the results.