Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR138

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/31/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Create A Student-led Working Group To Address The Need For Active Inclusion Of Diverse Identities Within And Beyond Sexual Health Education, To Teach Culturally Responsive Ideas Around Mutual Respect In Relationships, And To Find Sites Of Potential Active Inclusion Of These Identities In Sexual Health Curricula, All Within The Framing Principles Of Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi.

Impact

The passage of HR138, which was approved with a vote of 10 in favor and 1 against on March 24, 2022, signifies a notable shift toward integrating diverse gender identities and sexual orientations into educational materials. The working group proposed under this resolution will consist of student advocates, cultural experts, sexual health education professionals, and committed teachers. This approach aims to ensure that educational practices not only align with the current diversity present within the student population but also actively support their mental well-being and inclusivity.

Summary

House Resolution 138 (HR138) is a legislative initiative put forth by the House of Representatives of Hawaii, aiming to better include diverse identities within the state's sexual health education curriculum. The resolution emphasizes the importance of teaching culturally responsive ideas centered on mutual respect in relationships. It specifically calls for the Department of Education to establish a student-led working group tasked with addressing these inclusivity needs, reflecting the principles of ‘aloha kekahi i kekahi’, which translates to love and respect for one another.

Notables

HR138 stands as a proactive measure responding to feedback from young people regarding sexual health education's shortcomings. The resolution not only seeks to empower students by giving them a voice but also aligns educational practices with the Hawaiian principles of kindness and respect. This initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to enhance their own educational approaches.

Contention

Although there appears to be broad support for the resolution, some points of contention may stem from differing opinions on the extent to which sexual health education should address diverse identities. Advocates stress the importance of inclusivity to prevent bullying and discrimination against LGBTQ+ students, as current educational resources have not sufficiently reflected this diversity. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of such curricula and potential pushback from groups who may favor traditional educational content.

Companion Bills

HI HCR138

Same As Requesting The Department Of Education To Create A Student-led Working Group To Address The Need For Active Inclusion Of Diverse Identities Within And Beyond Sexual Health Education, To Teach Culturally Responsive Ideas Around Mutual Respect In Relationships, And To Find Sites Of Potential Active Inclusion Of These Identities In Sexual Health Curricula, All Within The Framing Principles Of Aloha Kekahi I Kekahi.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR222

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI HR202

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI SCR189

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Determine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI HB1727

Relating To Growth And Development In Sexuality Health Education Curriculum.

HI SCR50

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.

HI SR38

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Behavioral Health Curricula Plan For Public School Students In Grades Kindergarten Through Twelve.

HI SCR66

Requesting Elected Officials Of Hawaii To Live Within The Spirit Of Aloha.

HI SR54

Requesting Elected Officials Of Hawaii To Live Within The Spirit Of Aloha.

HI SR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene The Erin's Law Task Force.

HI SCR68

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

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