ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter -- June 2025

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Oregon Department of Education - Oregon achieves - together

ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter: June 2025
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ODE Sexuality Education Newsletter 

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June 11, 2025 

Dear Colleagues,

June offers an opportunity to honor and celebrate Pride Month by fostering inclusivity and support for LGBTQ2SIA+ students, families, and staff. Research shows that inclusive sexuality education benefits all students by reducing homophobic bullying, mental health challenges, and identity-based violence. Yet, the Oregon Student Health Survey found that only 29.5% of students reported receiving education on healthy relationships inclusive of LGBTQ2SIA+ identities. Similarly, another Oregon survey found fewer than one in five LGBTQ2SIA+ students felt their orientation was included in health classes, reporting that their identities were often mentioned only in relation to HIV or quickly mentioned by uncomfortable teachers, leaving them feeling ignored or ashamed. To better support LGBTQ2SIA+ students, the Oregon Health Authority, Amaze, and ODE have compiled resources to uplift, celebrate, and ensure that LGBTQ2SIA+ youth have access to the inclusive and affirming education and services that they deserve.

In a health classroom, Juneteenth also offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Black history, culture, and resilience, and explore how intersecting identities impact who we are and how we are seen. Teachers can explore how cultural pride, community connection, and reflecting on history can support mental, emotional, and social well-being. A Juneteenth Reading List from the National Museum of African American History and Culture includes many books for children celebrating family, freedom, and the accomplishments of Black leaders throughout history.

This month’s newsletter includes opportunities to become involved in several ODE statewide initiatives and resources to strengthen health and sexuality education in local classrooms.

Header photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash, Newberg, OR

Section photo by Sophie Popplewell on Unsplash

ODE Updates & Opportunities

ODE Logo

New Resource: Oregon Health Education Standards: Laws, Policies, and Resources Guide

Many Oregon Health Education Standards require educators to provide instruction on Oregon and federal laws and policies. This instructional tool is intended to support educators in teaching to these standards and identifying the specific law(s) and policies, providing a brief summary of the law, and linking to additional resources to support understanding and instruction of the law.

See the Laws, Policies, and Resources Guide here.

Apply for ODE Student Success Advisory Groups

ODE is seeking applicants for Student Success Advisory Groups that advise ODE on education matters affecting students and families in order to address systemic inequities.

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student Success Advisory Group applications are due Friday June 27, 2025 at 5pm PT.

See more information and apply here.

Latino/a/x and Indigenous* Student Success Advisory Group applications are due July 31st, 2025 at 5pm PT.

See more information and apply here.

LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Advisory Group applications are due Monday June 30, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

See more information and apply here.

Sex Ed News & Resources for Educators

ODE is committed to supporting school districts with implementing Oregon Human Sexuality Education (OAR 581-022-2050). Please see below for related news and resources for K-12 educators. 

Research & News for Educators

Resources for Educators

Upcoming Events, Training & Conference Opportunities for Educators

Unless hosted or facilitated by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), these training opportunities have not been endorsed by ODE, but are being shared as relevant opportunities for education professionals to consider.

Student Opportunities

My Future My Choice Logo

Apply ASAP: My Future-My Choice Teen Advisory Board

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) acts as the youth voice of the My Future-My Choice (MFMC) program. TAB members must be high school students during the 2025-2026 school year and are expected to give program feedback on MFMC (a sex education curriculum), advocate for youth sexual health, and take part in leadership development activities. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

See additional information and apply here.

Apply by July 31: REV Youth Leadership Program

REV(olution) is a year-long leadership program run by Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon for youth ages 14-18 in the Eugene/Springfield and Rogue Valley areas who are passionate about sexual and reproductive healthcare, advocacy, and peer education. Youth will collaborate with PPSO staff to educate peers, train healthcare professionals, participate in outreach events, and advocate for reproductive justice. Interested applicants should apply by July 31, 2025.

See additional information and apply here.

Questions? Connections? 

Please reach out to us at ode.sexed@ode.oregon.gov. 

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Want to stay connected with sexuality education at the Oregon Department of Education? Visit our website or subscribe to the ODE Sexuality Education ListServ today!