Overview of sex ed legislation in WI

Wis. Stat. § 118.019:The purpose of this section is to foster a partnership between parents of pupils attending schools in the school district and the schools in the school district to promote the optimal health and well-being of the pupils.

A school board may provide an instructional program in human growth and development in grades kindergarten through 12. The program shall be medically accurate and age-appropriate and provide medically accurate information about HPV and HIV.

Wisconsin Sex Education Policies & Requirements at a Glance
SIECUS  Wisconsin State Profile

2009 Wisconsin Act 134 - "The Healthy Youth Act" (Senate Vote 18-15 & Assembly Vote 48-43-4)

2011 Wisconsin Act 216 - Repeal of the Healthy Youth Act (Senate Vote 17-15 & Assembly Vote 60-34)

2021 Wisconsin Act 90 - New mandate to inform students about Safe Haven law

Neenah moves ahead with updated K-5 sex education curriculum 6.20.18

Resources

As of October 1, 2020:
  • Thirty states and the District of Columbia require public schools teach sex education, 28 of which mandate both sex education and HIV education.
  • Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia require students receive instruction about HIV.
  • Twenty-two states require that if provided, sex and/or HIV education must be medically, factually or technically accurate. State definitions of “medically accurate" vary, from requiring that the department of health review curriculum for accuracy, to mandating that curriculum be based on information from “published authorities upon which medical professionals rely.” (See table on medically accuracy laws.)
Many states define parents’ rights concerning sexual education:
  • Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia require school districts to notify parents that sexual or HIV education will be provided.
  • Five states require parental consent before a child can receive instruction.
  • Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia allow parents to opt-out on behalf of their children.

What you can do today to make a difference!

"What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."
- Jane Goodall
Be Inspired!
  • Know & appreciate your power... if you don't speak out, you can't be heard!
  • Practice radical self care
  • Visit www.PersistAtThePolls.org and be ready to vote in midterms
Be Informed!
Be Involved!