Opposes State Board of Education revised New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education on sex education adopted on June 3, 2020.
The implications of ACR21 could potentially alter how sex education is taught in New Jersey schools. By opposing the revised standards, the resolution seeks to assert parental rights in education, pushing for the state education system to respect and accommodate family values. If adopted, this could lead to a challenge against the extent of the State Board's authority to set educational standards, particularly in sensitive areas such as sex education, and may result in a review or revision of the current regulations.
ACR21 is a concurrent resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, opposing the revised New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, specifically relating to sex education, which were readopted by the State Board of Education on June 3, 2020. The resolution expresses concerns that the new standards contain controversial topics which conflict with the ability of parents to impart their values and beliefs to their children regarding sensitive subjects like sex education. This resolution is rooted in the belief that parents should have the primary role in guiding their children's education on such topics.
A notable point of contention within ACR21 is centered around the balance between educational standards set by state authorities and parental autonomy. Proponents of the resolution argue that the revised standards promote age-inappropriate content and interfere with parental rights, thus necessitating a revision to better support family values. Critics may contend, however, that the intent of the revised standards is to provide comprehensive health education that reflects contemporary societal issues, and that adequate opt-out provisions are already in place for parents who disagree with the curriculum.