FILE:  IDBA

SEX EDUCATION

In order to better educate and meet the growing awareness of today's youth, School Boards within the state have the discretion, if so desired, of conducting classes in subject matter designated as sex education.  In the Richland Parish School System said subject matter shall be integrated into an existing course of study in grades seven through twelve; specifically, the courses of 7th grade Life Science, Health and Physical Education grades 7-12, Biology, and Home Economics.

Whenever instruction in sex education is offered by any school, such instruction shall be available also to any student in the school, regardless of the student's grade level, who is pregnant or who is a mother or father.  Such instruction shall also be available to non-graded special education students at age-appropriate levels.  No such instruction shall be offered in kindergarten or in grades 1-6.

Sex education shall mean the dissemination of factual biological or pathological information that is related to the human reproduction system and may include the study of sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, childbirth, puberty, menstruation, and menopause, as well as the dissemination of factual information about parental responsibilities under the child support laws of the state.  However, the dissemination of factual information about parental responsibilities under the child support laws of the state may be offered only in grades nine or above.  Sex education shall not include religious beliefs, practices in human sexuality, nor the subjective moral and ethical judgments of the instructor of other persons.  Students shall not be tested, quizzed, or surveyed about their personal or family beliefs or practices in sex, morality, or religion.

All instructional materials used during the course of study of sex education shall be submitted to and approved by the Richland Parish School Board and by a parental review committee, whose membership shall be determined by the Board.

Any child may be excused from receiving instruction in sex education at the option and discretion of his parent or guardian.  Procedures of excusing students from instruction shall be as set forth by the Board.

Ref:     La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:281

Richland Parish School Board