The textbook, Discovering Human Sexuality, is used in a human sexuality course required only for students seeking a major or minor in family science.
Oxford University Press
The University of Nebraska at Kearney will discontinue using a popular human sexuality textbook after a student complained the book exposed them to pornography.
An internal investigation determined the textbook contains “graphic images,” particularly in a chapter about atypical sexual behavior, according to a report from the chancellor’s office that summarizes its investigation. In addition to ditching the textbook this fall, the university will ensure that its replacement “aligns with course and accreditation standards and outcomes” and will include “enhanced notice” of course content in the human sexuality course description and syllabus.
UNK’s May investigation covered a swath of complaints made in late April—including from Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen and a former staffer of his, conservative Substack writer John Gage. In addition to the textbook, university officials looked into a training module on empowering transgender students and allegations that UNK continues to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion.
