Sex Education Instruction

State law requires that all sex education instruction must be age-appropriate, medically accurate, evidence-informed, and culturally responsive. Courses that discuss sexual intercourse place substantial emphasis on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Courses will emphasize that abstinence is a responsible and positive decision and the only 100% effective method in the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Family life courses are designed to promote a wholesome and comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, physiological, hygienic and social responsibility aspects of family life, and for grades 6 through 8, the prevention of AIDS.

Students will not be required to take or participate in any class or course in comprehensive sex education, including in grades 6-8, instruction on both abstinence and contraception for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS; family life instruction, including in grades 6-8, instruction on the prevention, transmission, and spread of AIDS; instruction on diseases; recognizing and avoiding sexual abuse; or instruction on donor programs for organ/tissue, blood donor, and transplantation, if his or her guardian submits a written objection. The Guardian’s decision will not be the reason for any student discipline, including suspension or expulsion.

Nothing in this section prohibits instruction in sanitation, hygiene or traditional courses in biology. Guardians may examine the instructional materials to be used in any district sex education class or course.