MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Reykdal, Espinoza square off in debate over sex-ed

Oct 13, 2020, 4:15 PM | Updated: Oct 7, 2024, 9:18 am

Mandatory sex education in K-12 schools is a central issue in the race for the Washington state Superintendent.

MyNorthwest 2020 Voters Guide

Incumbent Chris Reykdal said, in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters, that the new sex-ed curriculum at issue in R-90 is about protecting kids.

“We have one in three girls and one in six boys who, in our Youth Health survey, reported they are the victims of sexual abuse,” Reykdal said.

Challenger Maya Espinoza says it’s inappropriate to some, impedes local control, and she questioned whether Reykdal could alleviate any ethical concerns.

“… When a private organization who is also funding his campaign is supporting this bill.”

The superintendent fired back with his own accusations about his challenger’s campaign that mislead parents by manipulating images about what’s actually included in the curriculum.

Who becomes governor if Jay Inslee accepts a White House cabinet position?

“It is dishonest, it is wrong, it is unethical,” Reykdal said.

KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott contributed to this report.

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Reykdal, Espinoza square off in debate over sex-ed