2022 -- H 7166

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LC003446

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Kislak, Donovan, Potter, Felix, Alzate, Speakman,
Carson, Henries, Tanzi, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2022

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 16-22-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-22 entitled "Curriculum

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[See Title 16 Chapter 97 - the Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended to read

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as follows:

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     16-22-18. Health and family life courses.

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     (a) Every secondary school grades six (6) through twelve (12) teaching courses in family

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life or sex education within this state shall include, as part of the course instruction, abstinence

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from sexual activity and refraining from sexual intercourse as the preferred method of pregnancy

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prevention and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Provided further, part of the course

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instruction may incorporate age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate elements of effective

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and evidence-based programs on the law and meaning of consent. Such age-appropriate and

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developmentally appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the prevention

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of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual violence may include instruction that

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increases student awareness of the fact that consent is required before sexual activity. Provided

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further, courses in family life or sex education shall be appropriate for students of all races, genders,

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sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; affirmatively recognize pleasure based sexual

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relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships in discussions and

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examples. In addition, comprehensive course instruction shall include gender, gender expression,

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gender identity, and the harm of negative gender stereotypes.

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     (b) Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years

 

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of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a

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reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum

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program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.

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     (c) A parent or legal guardian may exempt his or her child from the program by written

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directive to the principal of the school. No child so exempted shall be penalized academically by

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reason of the exemption.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

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     This act would amend the current law so that courses in family life or sex education taught

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in grades six (6) through twelve (12) shall be appropriate for students of all races, genders, sexual

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orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachings would recognize pleasure based sexual

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relations, different sexual orientations and be inclusive of same-sex relationships. The act would

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also provide that instruction include gender, gender expression, gender identity, and the harm of

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negative gender stereotypes.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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