Biden’s Youth Tobacco Survey Raises Concerns for Middle Schoolers – Unrelated to Smoking.
Biden’s Youth Tobacco Survey Asks Middle School Students About Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
The Biden administration’s National Tobacco Youth Survey for 2023 is taking a bold step by asking middle and high school students about their sexual orientation and gender identity. This annual survey, distributed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health, aims to assess the effectiveness of tobacco prevention and control programs for youth in the U.S.
In 2020, the survey included a question about sexual orientation, allowing students to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or “something else.” However, the 2023 survey goes even further, delving into the topic of transgenderism and asking students if they identify as transgender or nonbinary.
“Some people describe themselves as transgender and/or nonbinary when the way they think or feel about their gender is different from their sex assigned at birth,” the survey explains.
It then asks students, “Do you identify as transgender and/or nonbinary?”
This expansion of the survey’s questions has raised concerns about its integrity and potential exploitation for other purposes. Michael Chamberlain, director of Protect the Public’s Trust, a research and education organization, questions whether controversial social goals should be included in taxpayer-funded surveys on youth tobacco use.
The survey also addresses sexual orientation, providing students with various options to describe their romantic preferences. It acknowledges that sexual orientation can be diverse and asks students to choose the option that best represents their own orientation.
“Which of these options best describes your sexual orientation?” the survey asks, offering choices such as straight or heterosexual, gay or lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or asexual.
In addition to these questions, the CDC has requested updates to existing questions on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the inclusion of new questions about racial or ethnic discrimination experiences.
While the CDC states that these changes aim to keep the survey relevant to emerging tobacco use behaviors, critics argue that the survey’s focus should remain solely on tobacco prevention and control.
As of now, the CDC and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) have not responded to requests for comment on these concerns.
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What are the arguments for including questions about gender identity and sexual orientation in the National Tobacco Youth Survey?
He inclusion of questions about gender identity and sexual orientation in the National Tobacco Youth Survey has sparked a heated debate among policymakers, educators, and parents across the country. While some argue that it is a necessary step towards understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in combating tobacco use, others express concerns about the potential exploitation of sensitive information and the diversion of the survey’s purpose.
The annual National Tobacco Youth Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health, has been instrumental in shaping tobacco prevention and control programs for youth in the United States. It has provided valuable insights into the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among middle and high school students. However, the decision to include questions about gender identity and sexual orientation has opened up a Pandora’s box of controversies and ethical debates.
Supporters of including these questions argue that understanding the link between sexual orientation, gender identity, and tobacco use is crucial in developing effective prevention strategies tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth. Many studies have shown that this demographic faces unique challenges and stressors that make them more susceptible to tobacco use. By collecting data on sexual orientation and gender identity, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to these disparities and design targeted interventions to mitigate them.
However, opponents question the appropriateness of soliciting such private and personal information from young students. They argue that the survey should focus strictly on tobacco use and related factors, without delving into controversial and potentially divisive issues such as gender identity and sexual orientation. Critics worry that collecting such information may expose vulnerable youth to further stigmatization or unwanted attention. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential misuse or misinterpretation of the data, leading to unintended consequences and even breaches of privacy.
Michael Chamberlain, director of Protect the Public’s Trust, a research and education organization, questions the inclusion of controversial social goals in a taxpayer-funded survey on youth tobacco use. He argues that the primary objective of such surveys should be to gather accurate data on tobacco use and evaluate the impact of prevention programs, rather than to delve into complex and sensitive social issues. Chamberlain emphasizes the importance of maintaining the survey’s integrity and ensuring that it continues to serve its intended purpose.
As the debate rages on, it is clear that the inclusion of questions about gender identity and sexual orientation in the National Tobacco Youth Survey has sparked controversy and raised valid concerns on both sides. Striking a delicate balance between understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth and safeguarding their privacy and well-being will require careful consideration and ongoing dialogue among stakeholders. Ultimately, the success of the survey’s objective in shaping effective tobacco prevention programs for youth will depend on how these concerns are addressed and resolved.
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