5th graders in the Essex Westford School District in Vermont will learn about puberty and human reproduction without any use of the words “boy,” “girl,” “female” or “male”

On April 20, 2023 the principal of the Founders Memorial School in the Essex Westford School District sent a letter home to 5th grade families to explain language changes to the upcoming science/health unit focuses on puberty and the human reproduction systems.

The letter states that in an effort to align the curriculum with the school’s equity policy, teachers will use “gender inclusive language throughout this unit.” They also report that they are working to edit all handouts and worksheets to remove any language considered to be non-inclusive. Words like “boy,” “girl,” “male” and “female” are considered to be a violation of the equity policy and are not to be used in this class about puberty and human reproduction.