Controversial questions

Parents have objected to the use of questions about sex and sexual orientation in some surveys of students at Bay State schools. Below are some of the questions that have stirred controversy, with the age group to be questioned in brackets:

During the past three months, with how many people have you had oral sex? [Grades 9-12]:

a) I have never had oral sex.

b) I have had oral sex but not in the past three months.

c) One person.

d) Two people.

e) Three people.

f) Four people.

g) Five people.

h) Six or more people.

The person(s) with whom you have had oral sex with is (are) [Grades 9-12]:

a) I have not had oral sex with anyone.

b) Female(s).

c) Male(s).

d) Female(s) and male(s).

Which of the following best describes you? [Grades 9-12]

a) Heterosexual (straight).

b) Bisexual.

c) Gay or lesbian.

d) Not sure.

e) None of the above.

Have you ever engaged in oral sex? [grade 6]

a) Yes.

b) No.

Have you ever engaged in sexual intercourse? [grade 6]

a) Yes.

b) No.

How old were you when you had sexual intercourse for the first time? [Grades 9-12]

a) I have never had sexual intercourse.

b) 11 years old or younger.

c) 12 years old.

d) 13 years old.

e) 14 years old.

f) 15 years old.

g) 16 years old.

h) 17 years old or older.

During your life, with how many people have you had sexual intercourse? [Grades 9-12]

a) I have never had sexual intercourse.

b) One person.

c) Two people.

d) Three people.

e) Four people.

f) Five people.

g) Six or more people

Sources: Lexington Public Schools, Shrewsbury Public Schools, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.