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A Kansas University sex education class came under fire in the Kansas Legislature in March 2003, after a student complained to a state senator about the class content and the conduct of the professor. Read the stories and video reports below about efforts made by the Legislature aimed at eliminating the class and about those who have risen up to defend the class, including the Kansas Board of Regents, student leaders and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

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Senator's campaign still citing sex class
Sunday, August 1, 2004
Susan Wagle, a Republican from Wichita who could become the next president of the state Senate, again is lashing out at Kansas University.

Senator's campaign cites fight with KU
Saturday, July 17, 2004
A conservative state senator from Wichita, looking to raise campaign funds in a tough Republican Party primary, is boasting about her fight with Kansas University over a human sexuality class.

Wichita campaign seeks funds here
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
A Wichita candidate for state senator is seeking campaign contributions in Lawrence, hoping to tap into anger about last year's controversy about a Kansas University human sexuality class.

KU prof revisits sex-class controversy at public forum
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Nearly a year after his teaching methods were questioned in the Legislature and on national television, a Kansas University social welfare professor now says he's in some ways glad to have gone though the incident. "For me, this was an unbelievably positive experience," Dennis Dailey said. "Even though it was frightening and hurtful, I got support and affirmation that was really remarkable."

Regents adopt policy on sex classes
Friday, December 19, 2003
State universities now have a policy for dealing with sexually explicit materials in the classroom, but the state senator who prompted the policy said it lacked specifics. The Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday approved the policy as it was written by a committee of students, faculty and administrators. Much of the language comes from a 1970 policy statement of the American Association of University Professors.

Regents approve policy on sexually explicit material
Thursday, December 18, 2003
(Updated Thursday at 3:30 p.m.) Spurred by a legislative controversy over a sex class taught at Kansas University, state universities now have a policy governing the use of sexually explicit and other controversial material in the classroom.

Text of Kansas Board of Regents sexual harassment policy
Thursday, December 18, 2003
The following is the text of the harassment policy approved Thursday by the state Board of Regents

Regents consider sex class policy
Friday, November 21, 2003
The state Board of Regents is considering a policy for university campuses in response to legislative orders to set guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment and the use of explicit materials. The regents on Thursday reviewed for the first time a proposal drafted by a task force of administrators, faculty and students and endorsed by the six state university presidents.

Text of harassment policy proposed for regents
Friday, November 21, 2003
Text of the harassment policy proposed to the state Board of Regents

KU sex course to stay under watch
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
State higher education leaders have begun writing a policy for teaching sexually explicit topics, but that might not keep sex education from becoming an issue in the Legislature next year. State Sen. Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican who introduced the policy requirement earlier this year after controversy about a sexuality class taught by Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey, said she expected lawmakers to revisit the issue no matter what the policies say.

Investigation incomplete, former student claims
Sunday, June 29, 2003
I am writing to share my disappointment with KU's "investigation" of Professor Dennis Dailey's teaching methods in classes relating to sexuality. I was Sen. Susan Wagle's intern during the legislative session and was also enrolled in Human Sexuality in Everyday Life.

Provost responds: Dailey charges baseless
Sunday, June 29, 2003
My monthlong investigation of Sen. Susan Wagle's complaint against KU Prof. Dennis Dailey was thorough and objective. I reviewed class documents, Dailey's qualifications to teach the course, his response to the allegations, testimonials from students who had taken the class and Dailey's teaching evaluations for the past five years. I interviewed Jessica Zahn and reviewed the McGraw-Hill textbook and audiovisual materials used in the course.

E-mail writer escapes detection, apologizes for site bashing prof
Friday, June 6, 2003
Court officials Thursday were unable to determine which state-owned computer was used to send e-mails promoting a Web site critical of Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey.

State finds link to Dailey parody
Thursday, June 5, 2003
A computer in the state judicial system was used to send messages promoting a Web site critical of Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey, a court spokesman said Wednesday.
And by Wednesday evening, anti-KU and anti-Dailey content had been removed from the site, replaced by an apology.

Debate about sexuality class at KU continues to simmer in cyberspace
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
The controversy about Kansas University Professor Dennis Dailey's sexuality class continues in cyberspace. Dailey supporters and critics alike have launched Web sites aimed at making sure their views are known.

6News video: Dailey critics start new website
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
6News reports on a new website created by critics of KU professor Dennis Dailey.

Adversaries in sex class controversy speak out
Sunday, June 1, 2003
For two months, Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey has been waiting for a legislator -- any legislator -- to call and ask what really goes on in his controversial "Human Sexuality in Everyday Life" class.

Wichita senator not afraid of controversy
Sunday, June 1, 2003
As lawmakers gathered for the ceremonial end of the 2003 legislative session, state Sen. Ed Pugh, R-Wamego, made a beeline toward his colleague Susan Wagle, R-Wichita.

Sebelius signs sex proviso into law
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday signed into law a provision by a conservative lawmaker to set policies in a human sexuality class taught by Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey. Sebelius said she hoped her decision would end discussion on the issue, which has received national attention. But the provision's author, state Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, said attention to the subject would continue.

Text of Sebelius' statement about signing bill dealing with KU sex ed class
Friday, May 23, 2003
(Web Posted Friday at 1:27 p.m.) The following is the text of the statement Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued Friday with her message that she has signed a bill dealing with the Kansas Univesity human sexuality class taught by Dennis Dailey

Sebelius signs bill spawned by KU sex ed class controversy
Friday, May 23, 2003
(Updated Friday at 2:38 p.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today signed into law a provision aimed at a Kansas University human sexuality class.

Text of letter from KU liberal arts faculty supporting Dailey
Monday, May 19, 2003
(Web Posted Monday at 10:42 a.m.) The University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts and Sciences today released the following letter in support of Dennis Dailey, professor of social work, who has been criticized for his teaching of the course "Human Sexuality in Everyday Life."

Dailey gets high marks from KU liberal arts faculty
Monday, May 19, 2003
(Updated Monday at 3:31 p.m.) Chalk up another tally in the support column for Kansas University's Dennis Dailey. On Monday, KU's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences issued a public letter of support for Dailey, the award-winning professor of social welfare whose human sexuality class has drawn the wrath of conservatives in the Kansas Legislature.

KU part of porn history
Monday, May 19, 2003
Time, it is said, changes everything. In the past several weeks, state Sen. Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, gained national attention by raising a stink about Professor Dennis Dailey, an otherwise highly regarded teacher of human sexuality courses at Kansas University.

Chancellor's annual speech pays homage to academic freedom
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Drawing subtle parallels Friday between state Sen. Susan Wagle, Josef Stalin's Russia and McCarthyism, Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway said academic freedom must be rigorously defended.

Senator blasts Ethics Commission for fines
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Sen. David Haley says he was singled out by the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission for an investigation that resulted in a $1,500 fine for failure to report finances properly.

6News video: Chancellor dishes out harsh criticism for Senator Wagle
Saturday, May 17, 2003
6News report on the KU Chancellors speech to the Distinguished Award Citation winners.

'Teach-in' espouses academic freedom
Thursday, May 15, 2003
State Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, has said the videos that Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey screened in his human sexuality class were obscene because they showed real people performing real sex acts.

AG won't investigate Dailey
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Kansas Atty. Gen. Phill Kline said Tuesday that he would not investigate claims a Kansas University professor showed pornographic videos and harassed female students in a human sexuality class.

KU finds sex class claims baseless
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
A Wichita legislator's complaints that Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey showed pornographic videos, rationalized pedophilia and harassed female students in his human sexuality class are unfounded, according to a university investigation released Monday.

6News video: Dailey cleared after investigation
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
6News reports on the findings of an investigation into Dennis Daileys "Human Sexuality" class at KU.

Report: Wagle's complaint against KU's sex ed class 'does not have merit'
Monday, May 12, 2003
(Updated Tuesday at 10:14 a.m.) An investigation by KU into the allegations against Dennis Dailey and his sex ed class has ended with the finding of no wrongdoing by Dailey.

Dailey doubtful accuser took class
Friday, May 9, 2003
Incensed that an unidentified woman --her features darkened by shadows -- appeared Wednesday on "The O'Reilly Factor" and accused him of promoting pedophilia and incest, Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey fired back Thursday. "I have no idea as to the identity of the silhouetted person who appeared on ‘O'Reilly.'" Daily said in a written statement. "In fact, I have some doubt as to whether she actually attended the class on Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse, since most of her statements were untrue and the remaining ones were gross distortions of the course's content that is usually presented."

Text of Dailey statement
Friday, May 9, 2003
This statement was submitted to the Journal-World by Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey in response to comments made by an anonymous woman during an appearance Wednesday night on "The O'Reilly Factor" television show. The woman appeared in silhouette and identified herself only as "Jennifer," a former Dailey student.

Student makes accusations on ‘O'Reilly'
Thursday, May 8, 2003
For the fourth time, "The O'Reilly Factor" on Wednesday night devoted a segment to the controversy surrounding a Kansas University professor who teaches a course on human sexuality.

6News video: Dennis Dailey finally addresses the controversy
Thursday, May 8, 2003
In his final class of the semester, Professor Dailey apologized to students for letting the accusations detract from the class.

6News video: Controversy over KU sexuality course continues
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Wednesday's "The O'Reilley Factor" featured a former student, and Senator Mark Buhler feels the situation needs to be handled by KU and not the legislature.

Sex course ends in applause
Thursday, May 8, 2003
Embattled Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey told students in his human sexuality class they had been wronged by the controversy surrounding his teaching methods. "It's unfortunate that your opportunities for learning may have in some way been fouled by this experience," he said Wednesday during his last class of the semester.

Colleagues write letter supporting KU's Dailey
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
Professor Dennis Dailey's colleagues have come to his defense, saying Sen. Susan Wagle has resorted to "personal intimidation" in an attempt to alter course curriculum at Kansas University.

KU sex ed class once again to be topic on 'O'Reilly Factor'
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
(Web Posted Wednesday at 4:17 p.m.) A Kansas University professor who teaches a sex ed class is expected to be a topic for a third time tonight on the nationally televised FoxNews program "The O'Reilly Factor."

Letter levels charges against Dailey concerning teachings on sex with children
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
The following was a letter sent to state Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, from a former student of Dennie Dailey who claims the Kansas University professor taught that sex with children and family members "was normal." Lynn Bretz, a university spokesman, said today that she found it curious that the letter was unsigned and that the only KU official who could refute the allegation, LeAnn Davis, is deceased.

O'Reilly's attack on KU sex-ed class continues with help of former student
Wednesday, May 7, 2003
(Web Posted Wednesday at 8:47 p.m.) Bill O'Reilly continued his nationally televised attack on Kansas University's Dennis Dailey on Wednesday night, displaying what he said was "more evidence that a sex professor in Kansas is completely out of control."

Dailey receives honor
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
While some Kansas lawmakers decry Dennis Dailey's class on human sexuality, some of his students at Kansas University are honoring him for his teaching.

Group advances measure affecting KU sexuality class
Sunday, May 4, 2003
A House-Senate conference committee Saturday has informally agreed to keep in a budget proviso that will require universities to provide policies on the use of sexually explicit materials in course work.

Senator broadens attack on professor
Saturday, May 3, 2003
A new round of charges were leveled Friday against Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey during an explosive debate in the Senate. State Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, gave her colleagues a 13-page handout containing allegations that Dailey, who teaches a course on human sexuality, told students he was sexually aroused by children, saw nothing harmful in pedophilia and incest, and that complaints from students about Dailey to KU have gone unheeded by university officials for years.

KU rally supports academic freedom
Saturday, May 3, 2003
About 30 people -- Kansas University students and staff, mostly -- gathered Friday outside Wescoe Hall for a noon rally aimed at protesting recent legislative efforts to censure professor Dennis Dailey for showing explicit videos in his class on human sexuality.

A laughingstock
Saturday, May 3, 2003

6News video: Supporters of Dennis Dailey's class defend their professor
Friday, May 2, 2003
Several of the students say that the accusations were completely false.

Senator plans to watch videos from KU sex class
Friday, May 2, 2003
Kansas University officials will let Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, watch the videos used in professor Dennis Dailey's class on human sexuality. But if she wants copies of everything he's written, it will cost her about $1,200.

Wagle to appear on MSNBC tonight
Friday, May 2, 2003
(Updated Friday at 6:49 p.m.) Kansas State Sen. Susan Wagle will once again voice her disapproval of a KU sex education class on a nationally televised show tonight. Wagle, R-Wichita, is expected to appear on MSNBC's "Scarborough Country" at 9 p.m. to discuss sexual material and academic freedom with host Joe Scarborough.

Students defend course on 'The O'Reilly Factor'
Friday, May 2, 2003
Hoping to set the record straight on what goes on in Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey's controversial class on human sexuality, Jen Hein appeared Thursday on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor." "I just wanted the truth to come out," she said, an hour before the 5 p.m. taping at KU's Adams Alumni Center.

KU sex ed class students to appear tonight on 'O'Reilly Factor'
Thursday, May 1, 2003
(Updated Thursday at 3:38 p.m.) Two students from a controversial human sexuality class at Kansas University will be on the "O'Reilly Factor" program on Fox News tonight.

Dailey likely not guilty of harassment
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Most of the 500 students in Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey's class on human sexuality are not offended by the subject matter or by Dailey's provocative teaching style.

Commentator chastises professor, KU, governor
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly isn't through talking about Kansas University and professor Dennis Dailey's human sexuality class.

6News video: Sen. Wagle cannot overturn veto
Thursday, May 1, 2003
The Wichita senator promises to find another way to stop Dennis Dailey's Human Sexuality course.

Senator changes sex-class strategy
Thursday, May 1, 2003
Sen. Susan Wagle said Wednesday she had abandoned an attempt to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a provision aimed at cutting funds to Kansas University because of a human sexuality class. But Wagle said she would try something else.

FoxNews host grills students on proper sex ed instruction methods
Thursday, May 1, 2003
(Updated Friday at 8:03 a.m.) Two Kansas University students went onFoxNews' nationally televised "The O'Reilly Factor" Thursday night to defend KU professor Dennis Dailey's human sexuality class.

Wagle gives up idea to override governor's veto on bill to kill KU sex ed class
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
(Updated Wednesday at 12:02 p.m.) State Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, today said she will not ask the Senate to try to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a budget amendment aimed at Kansas University's human sexuality class.

Senator Wagle's written request for KU sex class material
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
The following is the text of a letter sent by Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, requesting information about the human sexuality class at Kansas University.

6News video: Battle over KU sex class hits national stage
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
6News reports on Tuesday nights Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor" during which Kansas State Sen. Susan Wagle and Kansas University student Jessica Zahn discussed Dennis Dailey's KU "Human Sexuality in Everyday Life" class.

Wagle tells TV's O'Reilly that KU class offers porn
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Kansas State Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, had taken her criticism of a Kansas University sex education class to the floor of the Kansas Senate.

Wagle to discuss KU sex class on national TV
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
When State Sen. Susan Wagle criticized Kansas University professor Dennis Dailey on the floor of the Kansas Senate, she refused to name the student she said was offended by purported pornographic materials used in Dailey's class.

Sebelius vetoes may be reversed
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
When lawmakers return for the legislative wrap-up session, they will probably try to override several vetoes by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Briefly
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
• Topeka: Veto may not end effort against class

Sebelius vetoes sexuality proviso
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Monday vetoed a legislative provision aimed at shutting down Kansas University's human sexuality class taught by award-winning professor Dennis Dailey.

Sebelius vetos sex ed proviso
Monday, April 21, 2003
(Updated Tuesday at 11:09 a.m.) Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today vetoed a provision that was aimed at Kansas University's human sexuality class taught by professor Dennis Dailey.

Regents: Governor should veto budget amendment aimed at KU sex class
Thursday, April 17, 2003
(Updated Tuesday at 11:09 a.m.) The Kansas Board of Regents has been added to the groups urging Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to veto a measure aimed at stopping a human sexuality course at Kansas University.

6News video: A KU colleague defends Dennis Dailey's sexuality course
Thursday, April 17, 2003
The controversy surrounds Dailey's conduct and the subject matter of the course. Thad Holdcomb believes the class provides a safe place to talk about sensitive issues.

Text of complaint filed on sex education class by Senator Wagle
Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Senator lodges complaint against professor
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
A state senator upset about reports of a Kansas University professor allegedly harassing female students, using vulgar language and showing X-rated videos in his human sexuality class has filed a formal complaint with Chancellor Robert Hemenway.

Governor's staff hears students' sex class views
Saturday, April 12, 2003
Three Kansas University students from professor Dennis Dailey's human sexuality class met Friday with members of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' staff.

KU panel opposes obscenity bill
Friday, April 11, 2003
A Kansas University governance group has given supporters of professor Dennis Dailey more ammunition as they meet today with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' staff. University Council, which consists of faculty, staff and students, approved a resolution Thursday encouraging the governor to veto an amendment to the budget bill aimed at cutting funds to Dailey's human sexuality class and the School of Social Welfare.

University Council resolution on sex-ed
Friday, April 11, 2003
Here is the text of the resolution, to be sent to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and legislators, approved Thursday by University Council at Kansas University.

K-State joins ranks seeking obscenity veto
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Kansas State University faculty senators voted Tuesday to send an open letter to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius encouraging her to veto an amendment that would require the Kansas Board of Regents to cut funding to university departments that use "obscene" videos in human sexuality or other classes.
K-State faculty president Al Cochran drafted the letter, which said the amendment was "ill-conceived and would harm the quality of education at Kansas Regents' institutions."

J-W Editorial - Bigger issues
Sunday, April 6, 2003
A complaint about the content of a Kansas University class has gotten way more attention than it deserves.

Students in KU sex class ready to lobby for veto
Sunday, April 6, 2003
Jen Hein was in the classroom where a Kansas University professor allegedly reacted to a student's leaving to use the restroom by giving her "the finger" and wisecracking about the benefits of masturbating on an empty bladder.

6News video: Kansas legislature puts amendment into budget bill
Friday, April 4, 2003
The amendment would stop KU's School of Social Welfare from receiving money if human sexuality class is found to have obscene content.

Anti-obscenity measure clears House
Friday, April 4, 2003
A budget amendment aimed at prohibiting state universities from showing videos in sex education classes is on its way to the governor's desk. The rider to budget legislation was approved Thursday by the House. It then survived a House-Senate conference committee ironing out differences in each chamber's budget bill.

Letter - Flow of ideas
Thursday, April 3, 2003

Lawmakers attack sex class at KU
Thursday, March 27, 2003
The state Senate on Wednesday jumped into the curriculum of a Kansas University human sexuality class, blasting the instruction of award-winning professor Dennis Dailey and passing an amendment aimed at possibly cutting funds to KU's School of Social Welfare. State Sen. Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said she had been investigating complaints from several students who alleged Dailey showed pornographic images during the course Human Sexuality in Everyday Life and made vulgar and inappropriate comments to female students.