Topeka ? The Kansas Board of Regents is sending a message to the Legislature: Stay out of our classrooms.

Regents on Thursday joined the ranks of groups protesting a legislative amendment aimed at preventing instructors from showing “obscene” videos in human sexuality classes and urging Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to veto the proviso.

“We believe that decisions regarding curriculum, particular course content and other academic matters, are best addressed by the policies established by the Kansas Board of Regents,” board members said in a unanimously approved statement.

They also said Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita — who introduced the amendment after she said a student complained to her about content of a course taught by Kansas University Professor Dennis Dailey — should have submitted a formal complaint to KU officials. Wagle did submit a complaint well after the Legislature passed the amendment.

“The board has in place a policy that requires each of its campuses to provide mechanisms through which complaints can be investigated and action taken to address legitimate concerns,” the board said. “Each of the universities has such mechanisms in place. Regrettably, the complaint that prompted this legislative action was not submitted to that process prior to that action.”

Sebelius said she still was trying to decide whether to veto the amendment, which would cut $3.1 million from KU’s School of Social Welfare if the materials used in Dailey’s course were deemed obscene.

“We’ll have a message by Monday,” she said. “I’m looking seriously at that veto.”

Kelly Graf, a Wichita senior who is enrolled in Dailey’s course, said she welcomed the regents’ statement. Graf is circulating an e-mail responding point-by-point to Wagle’s complaint.

“I just feel like the students’ side of the story — the students who agree with and support Dr. Dailey — isn’t getting out to enough people,” she said. “Our voice isn’t being heard.”

¢ 6News video: A KU colleague defends Dailey’s sex ed class¢ Text of Wagle’s complaint¢ KU panel opposes obscenity bill¢ University Council resolution on sex eduationa¢ K-State joins ranks seeking obscenity vote (4-10-03)¢ Commission, students support KU sex-de class (4-9-03)¢ Students start e-mail to governor on sex-ed class (4-8-03)¢ Students in KU sex class ready to lobby for veto (4-6-03)¢ 6News video: Kansas Legislature puts amendment into budget bill (4-4-03)¢ Anti-obscenity measure clears House (4-4-03)