Policy 2335 - Sexual Health Education

The Richland School District’s Board of Directors is authorized by law to determine whether sexual health education instruction will be offered in the District. The Board has determined that such a program will be offered to students, consistent with state law. Such instruction shall be medically and scientifically accurate, age appropriate, appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, or sexual orientation and include information about abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence will not be taught to the exclusion of other instruction on contraceptives and disease prevention. The District’s sexual health education program will be consistent with the Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention developed by the Department of Health and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Parents and community groups shall be involved in the planning, development, evaluation, and revision of any instruction in sex education and human sexuality offered as a part of the school program. 

One month prior to teaching a program in sexual health education, each school will provide written notice to parents of the planned instruction. Parents may review the curriculum and materials used to teach sexual health education. Any parent who wishes to have his/her child excused from any planned instruction in sexual health education may do so upon filing a written request with the superintendent or building. Students who are excused shall be provided alternative health education opportunities. 

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