Calif. teacher on leave for discussing adult toys, sexual pleasure in anatomy class
A California high school teacher has landed in hot water after she was allegedly caught on video telling students about sex toys and the role of the prostate in sexual pleasure.
Judy Rehburg, a physiology and AP environmental science teacher at El Dorado High School in Placentia, was placed on administrative leave after parents complained about the footage shared online, the Orange County Register reported.
“District employees are trusted to exercise professional judgment when deciding whether or not a particular issue is suitable for study or discussion,” Alyssa Griffiths, a spokeswoman for the Placentia-Yorba Linda school, district, told the paper.
“In the classroom, employees act on behalf of the district and are expected to follow the adopted curriculum, and they should not advocate personal opinions or viewpoints,” she added.
In the secretly recorded video, Rehburg was seen discussing sex toys and how they are readily available at general retailers, according to the Register.
She also taught the children about the male prostate and its role in sexual pleasure.
Rehburg’s undated school syllabus on the school website explains that her anatomy and physiology class could include a unit covering pregnancy and the reproductive system.
In 2016, the state Board of Education approved comprehensive sex education laws to include inclusivity for health education.
Three years later, the California Healthy Youth Act was modified to include education for LGBTQ+ sexual health, the outlet said.
The district said it is conducting an investigation into the teacher’s conduct.
“With that being said, PYLUSD and EDHS will continue to work diligently to ensure that all students are afforded the opportunity to learn in a safe and respectful environment,” said Griffiths.
Rehburg could not immediately be reached and the Association of Placentia-Linda Educators, which represents her, declined to comment, the Register reported.
Despite the backlash, some people expressed support for the embattled teacher.
The Instagram account @freejudy said the video was taken out of context, claiming that Rehburg was “simply answering students’ questions anatomically.”
“This is everybody’s favorite teacher. She’s kind. She loves nature, plants, birds and all biology,” parent Molly Kurzbard told the Register, adding that her daughter has previously learned similar material in Rehburg’s class.
During a school board meeting Tuesday, several parents also voiced support for the teacher, while others called for her dismissal.
Some also have accused her of “grooming” the students.
The Placentia-Yorba Linda school board has become known for taking action against what it considers to be progressive integration in the classroom.
Last year, it banned the teaching of critical race theory, according to the outlet.
