Parents furious at personal and explicit survey given to Sachem HS East students

Questions included how many sexual partners the students had, while others had to do with their gender and sexual identities.

News 12 Staff

Feb 17, 2023, 1:14 AM

Updated 674 days ago

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Some parents say they are outraged about a survey sent to their kids from Sachem High School East that asked personal and intimate questions.
The quiz was sent to tenth graders as part of their health class. It asked about their sexual activity and sexual preferences.
Questions included how many sexual partners the students had, while others had to do with their gender and sexual identities.
The survey also inquired about how students view their own weight and if they are trying to change their weight.
One father, who wanted to hide his name to protect his child, says he was shocked when he saw the survey and told his daughter not to take it.
"They were extremely personal, explicit questions," the father says. "Something I don't think any child of that age should be asked, even older kids at that point. I think it would even be uncomfortable for adults, those questions that were asked on there."
Others were also surprised that the quiz actually came from the school.
The superintendent for the Sachem Central School District says the quizzes were sent out to assess at-risk behaviors, writing, "The survey is anonymous and optional and informs the district of areas, in which they can assist their students with available resources for support as needed."
Following the anger from parents, the survey was pulled by the district and is under review.
It's not clear if the district will continue with the survey in the future or if they'll abandon it completely.
Others in the district are asking for an investigation. They want to know if there will be consequences for whomever is responsible for the survey.