By January 1, 2025, each school board must adopt a policy that governs the prevention of and appropriate responses to incidents of teen dating violence and sexual violence. This policy must also require teachers to notify parents or guardians of any incidents involving their child, thereby ensuring that families are involved in addressing these critical issues. The curriculum mandated by the bill includes age-appropriate topics that cover a range of relevant issues, including consent, identifying abusive behaviors, and the importance of healthy relationships.
Summary
Assembly Bill 728 aims to strengthen the prevention and education around teen dating violence and sexual violence in schools within the state. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) adopt a policy addressing these issues, which must be made available to school districts by July 1, 2024. Furthermore, the DPI is required to develop a comprehensive prevention curriculum that will be incorporated into health education programs across the state's schools.
Contention
The bill may face debate on its implementation, particularly regarding how schools will ensure compliance and the resources needed to train teachers and staff effectively. There may also be concerns from some stakeholders regarding the balance between providing necessary protective measures and respecting student privacy. The requirement for parent notification could also spark discussions about how schools manage confidentiality and the safety of minors involved in such situations.
In terms and courses of study, further providing for dating violence education; and, in sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking education, prevention and response at institutions of higher education and private licensed schools, further providing for definitions and for education program.
Relating to public school instruction and materials regarding the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking and the adoption of public school policies to prevent dating violence.
Urges State Board of Education to require school districts to incorporate financial literary instruction into mathematics and social studies curriculum.
Urges State Board of Education to require school districts to incorporate financial literary instruction into mathematics and social studies curriculum.
In terms and courses of study, repealing provisions relating to Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations instruction and providing for Holocaust, genocide and human rights
Education: curriculum; 1 unit of instruction in African-American, Indigenous People, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latin American, Hispanic American, Caribbean American, Arab American, North African, Chaldean American, and Jewish American history; require. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e & 1164f.