New Hanover County Schools to review sex ed curriculum

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — This week the New Hanover County Board of Education voted 5-2 to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from district policies to come in line with President Trump’s recent executive orders. 

Now the county’s sex education program could also be up for a change. 

The district currently has two sex education programs. One program is a traditional sex education program known as My Life that promotes abstinence. 

The second program known as Stepping Stones is more expansive, exploring topics like sexual orientation, contraception and gender roles.  

Parents can opt in or out of either program. According to enrollment data, Stepping Stones is the most popular option for parents. 

At the recommendation of staff, the school board is set to review its sex ed courses after a presentation from staff next week. 

Board Member Pete Wildeboer said the review is a necessary step to comply with federal mandates on DEI and gender policy. 

“Those teacher jobs are so very very vital, we want to make sure that we follow the directive that we’ve been given from the federal government. So, you know, it is hugely important,” he said. 

Wildeboer added he would like to keep two programs open in some form to give parents options. During the meeting, Wildeboer told superintendent Christopher Barnes to research alternatives to Stepping Stones that would exclude lessons on gender or sexuality. 

The board will meet for presentation and discussion on Tuesday at 5 p.m.