Hawaii Senate Bill SCR189

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

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.

Impact

The passing of SCR189 could lead to improved oversight and standardization of sexual health education programs across Hawaii's schools, ensuring that students receive medically accurate and developmentally appropriate information. The resolution highlights that while most parents support sexual health education, critical components such as consent and diversity in sexual orientations are not adequately covered in existing curricula. This study aims to address these gaps and potentially revamp educational policies to reflect current best practices in sexual health education.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 189 (SCR189) requests the Legislative Reference Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the implementation and standards of sexual health education policies within the Department of Education in Hawaii. The resolution emphasizes that effective sexual health education is crucial for helping young people make informed decisions about their relationships and health. Current data from the CDC indicates that a significant number of schools in Hawaii are falling short in delivering critical sexual health topics to students, particularly in middle and high school grades.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding SCR189 due to differing opinions on the content and approach of sexual health education. Supporters of comprehensive sexuality education argue that it is essential for reducing sexual risks and promoting safer practices among youth. In contrast, opponents may advocate for abstinence-only education, arguing against the need for more comprehensive curricula. Additionally, discussions surrounding LGBTQ inclusivity in education and the requirement for teaching consent are likely to spark debates among educators, parents, and policymakers.