Superintendent candidate would overhaul sex education, ‘giverment’ studies

It wouldn’t be all about money for Ron Higgins if he became Washington’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. It would be more about the basics.

Higgins, who admits he would prefer someone else ran in his place, told KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross that “the issue” with public education is more “foundational” than money. He wants to ensure the children are safe and that what is being taught in schools is appropriate.

That includes sex education. In short, Higgins says sex education would break down like this: Billy, you’re a boy you go into the boys’ bathroom and locker room. Susie, you’re a girl, you go into the girls’ bathroom and locker room.

Related: School superintendent candidate proposes $14k raise for teachers

Dave asked whether that is all the sex education would teach under Higgins’ purview.

It would be age appropriate, Higgins responded. That means older students would learn more about “some of the changes” being made, he said, without going into further detail.

Higgins believes students need to receive a deeper understanding of American heritage, including government; not just the mechanics, but the principals.

“What is government?” Higgins asked. “The reason I ask that … George Washington has a very witty description of government. And I’ll tell you what it is right now: Government is not eloquence, government it is not reason — it is force. And like fire, it is a treacherous servant and a fearsome master. Where do your rights come from? What’s the purpose of government?”

So does that mean he would teach the Constitution? Dave asked. From Dave’s understanding, schools already teach students about the Constitution.

“Well it matters what they teach, sir,” Higgins responded. “Do you teach the principals or just the mechanics? If you teach the mechanics — vote for this person that gives us the most — that’s not government; that’s giverment.”

Follow @https://twitter.com/mynorthwest