UW-Madison Sex Education Program Promotes Pornography and Planned Parenthood

The module claims “there’s nothing inherently wrong with using porn”

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has taken down a sex education program that includes a link to a pornographic website, encourages students to create a “pleasure profile,” and promotes resources related to sadomasochism and BDSM after an inquiry from The Madison Federalist.

SexWIse, part of the GetWIse program for undergraduate students, is an online module “designed by UHS Violence Prevention professional staff and student Peer Educators.”

The lesson includes a discussion of pornography and says that “there’s nothing inherently wrong with using porn.”

“For a lot of people, it’s fun and sexy. It can also be a way to learn about different kinds of sex and/or explore your identity. This can be especially true for those with marginalized sexual identities who may not have as many safe, affirming spaces in which to explore their sexuality.”

The module says, “Fortunately, there is greater availability than ever of feminist, ethical porn.”

“Feminist ethical porn is made in a way that is respectful of workers, celebrates diverse bodies and relationships, portrays consent as an essential part of the process, and represents expansive sexual possibilities.”

It then includes a link to the pornographic website “Feminist Porn Awards.” The module was accessible to any full-time student, regardless of age. The Madison Federalist independently confirmed that at least one minor student had access to SexWIse with no restrictions. 

University spokesman John Lucas told The Madison Federalist, “The GetWIse programs allow UW-Madison students to explore violence prevention and survivor support topics.” 

“University Health Services has removed the content in question while the module is being reviewed to ensure that the presentation of the topic is clear and supported by research.”

As of October 16th, 2024, SexWIse is no longer available to students.

Lucas noted that “the module itself is not required.” While students are not required to complete SexWIse, they are required to complete one of the four GetWIse modules, of which SexWIse is one.

It also includes a glossary that provides definitions for terms such as "2SLGBTQIA+," "demigender," "BDSM," "dominance/submission," "kinky," "fetish," and "xenophobia."

Students are instructed to select the types of connections they are looking for. Options include, “casual sex,” “non-monogamous dating,” “polyamorous relationships,” and “regular hookup buddy.”

Additionally, students are directed to create a “pleasure profile,” which is described as “a starting place to think about your sexual interests.” Some activities that they can indicate interest in include “mutual masturbation,” “sexting,” “anal intercourse (with fingers, penis, toys, etc),” “oral stimulation of the anus ("rimming, "rim job," "tossing salad"),” and “mutual oral sex ("69ing").”

Furthermore, the unit says that “physical pleasure is also an important part of safe and healthy sex! Products like lubricant can enhance pleasure when touching someone’s genitals and during penetrative sex (and is especially important for safe and comfortable anal sex).” It includes a link to a web page called “Lube 101: A Slick Little Primer” from the “Queer Sex Ed” website Scarleteen.com. 

SexWIse lists the controversial student organization Sex Out Loud as a resource for obtaining “dental dams or internal and external condoms” and includes a link to Sex Out Loud workshops, such as “Ethical Porn,” “Sexability,” and “Advanced Pleasure.” 

The lesson explains how students can “navigate sex and power respectfully.” It recommended that they ask questions such as “I really like being spanked - but like gently - during sex. Is that something you’re comfortable with?” and “Have you ever tried bondage? I like tying people up, but obviously totally fine if you’re not into that.”

It then noted that “there are great resources out there for practicing BDSM safely and respectfully,” and included links to “People of Color Kink and Leather Experience” and an introductory book to sadomasochism.

The program promotes numerous other resources, including “How To Have Fat Sex,” “6 Affirmations for People Ashamed of Their Kink,” and Planned Parenthood.

The lesson briefly discusses birth control methods for “people with uteruses” and says that “you can get low-cost generic Plan B at the Badger Markets at both Union South and Memorial Union. It is also available at the UHS Vending Machine on the 3rd floor of the Student Activity Center.”

“What strategies you use may depend on your sex assigned at birth, whether you are using gender-affirming hormones or have had gender-affirming surgery, and the bodies of people you’re interacting sexually with.”

The College Republicans of UW-Madison told The Madison Federalist, “A course designed to help prevent sexual violence at UW-Madison would be welcomed. Unfortunately, SexWIse was tainted by its distracting and obscene content. We are happy that the module has been taken down, and we hope that the university produces a better sexual violence prevention course.”

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