More than 10 faculty members e-mailed Douglas Freeman High School Superintendent Patrick Russo, saying they opposed the appearance of Pam Stenzel, founder of Enlighten Communications. NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia and the local chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network also voiced opposition.
Principal Anne L. Poates gave parents the choice to opt their children out of the session.
"No, it does not present all sides of this issue," Poates wrote in an e-mail to staff. "It presents one choice - abstinence - as an important choice for teenagers in a way that seems to reach them and have a lasting impact."