ISD Apologizes After Speaker Preaches Abstinence

A Houston-area district has sent a letter of apology to parents after a school board member's motivational talk to some girls turned to the topic of sex -- even though she said she was urging abstinence.

The assembly took place Jan. 15 at Crosby Middle School in Hitchcock.

Some parents complained about Shirley Price, who is also a trained counselor. Price was supposed to talk about doing well on achievement tests, but the conversation turned.

School spokesman Randy Dowdy said much of the discussion about sex was initiated by students. Price said her remarks were misinterpreted.

The Jan. 22 letter from Superintendent Mike Bergman said the speaker's topic was "off-target and objectionable."

Pastor S.D. Siverand of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, speaking on behalf of Price, said she had learned that girls were being pressured to have sex and she urged them to abstain.

Hitchcock is about 35 miles southeast of Houston.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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