The Education of Shelby Knox

The kids in Lubbock, Texas, are not allowed to learn about the use of condoms. Shelby Knox, and her associates in the city-funded Youth Commission, want to change this. Knox, a high school student, is filmed over a three-year period as she is fighting for a more comprehensive sex education in her conservative school, while at the same time trying to stay true to her Christian beliefs and principles. Even though the rates for teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted deseases are high, the school refuses to change its strict Abstinence Until Married policy. Despite widespread opposition from the community, Shelby’s involvment in the campaign grows stronger. But although she begins questioning her baptist Christian upbringing, she tries to reconcile her political activism with her personal beliefs. As in Lipschutz´s and Rosenblatt´s earlier films, important social issues are in focus. Sensitively shot through the eyes of a politically commited teenager, The Education of Shelby Knox raises questions about religion, education and family values. ROLAND MADARÁSZ