New N.J. sex education standards spark belated backlash. Here’s what Murphy, Republicans say. – NJ.com

UPDATE: Murphy orders review of new N.J. sex education standards that sparked uproar

Sex education standards that New Jersey adopted two years ago have suddenly drawn fierce new scrutiny from numerous Republican officials and some parents, making the Democratic-controlled Garden State the latest stage for a national cultural debate over what students should be — and actually are — learning in classrooms.

The issue exploded in recent weeks after a local school board in Union County shared sample resources as districts prepare to implement the new state standards, which take effect in the fall and outline when students in New Jersey should learn about topics such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and anatomy. Officials insisted these were merely models from an outside website to show possible resources provided by the state, aren’t mandated by the state, and won’t specifically be part of the district’s curriculum.