Cuthbertson, Barbara J. December, 1990. - INTRODUCING SEXUALITY EDUCATION INTO A PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM: A CASE STUDY IN ADVOCACY ANTHROPOLOGY Abstract: This thesiss presents the case study of an applied anthropology internship. I was responsible for the formation and coordination of a citizens advocacy group established in response to a community perceived need for balanced advocacy on a proposed sexuality education curriculum. A comprehensive curriculum had been developed by a community task force appointed by the superintendent of schools. Concurrently, an alternative curriculum, which was conservative and parochial, had been covertly developed by an advocacy group and presented to the superintendent. During the latter stages of curriculum development, I was asked to form a counterbalancing advocacy group to motivate the "silent majority" and influence the school board to adopt the comprehensive curriculum. I approached this project as an advocate anthropologist, drawing on my expertise to further the goals of one particular segment of society. My involvement with this advocacy project was an attempt to direct social change. Utilizing Barger's (1980, 1982) model of cultural adaptation and Barger and Reza's (1985) Guidelines for Community Action Projects, I sought to bring about a particular change in the social environment which I believe to be adaptive, i.e., availability of a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum. The results of my advocacy project were limited. The adopted curriculum was not comprehensive, evidently just as the superintendent had intended from the outset. Nevertheless, some supporters were informed and activated, and several school board members acknowledged the curriculum as an important beginning, but called for annual review with possible expansion in scope. I concluded from my internship project that advocacy anthropology is a valid and viable form of applied anthropology when there is strict adherence to professional ethics and scientific standards. Also, I concluded that citizen action campaigns do have the potential to affect public policy development. For that reason, cultural adaptation may be influenced by whichever group most successfully pursues its sociopolitical agenda. .