Guerrilla Sex Ed

For those seeking out better sex ed...

Pennsylvania

  • Pennsylvania state law does not mandate the teaching of sexuality education, though instruction on STDs is required.
  • All sex ed curricula must stress abstinence.
  • Sex ed curricula are not required to include instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, or consent.
  • School districts must publicize the fact that parents and guardians can review all curriculum materials. Parents and guardians whose principles or religious beliefs conflict with instruction may excuse their children from sex ed. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy.
  • Guidelines for STD and HIV prevention instruction are included in the Academic Standards for Health, Safety, and Physical Education.

Bills to Watch

  • HB 319 was introduced in 2023. It would prohibit lessons on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in grades K-5. It would also require schools to create a process for notifying a student’s parent of a change in the student’s health care services, or monitoring related to a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health. It would prohibit a school employee or representative from encouraging a student to withhold information regarding their mental or physical health from their guardian. And it would require parental notification before a student in grades K-5 could take a survey on their well-being or health.
  • SB 388 was introduced in 2023. It would provide grants for schools to teach dating violence education that is age appropriate to grades 7-12. This education would include recognizing the signs of dating violence and the characteristics of healthy relationships, and would provide resources, peer support, etc.
  • SB 293 was introduced in 2023. It would require age appropriate consent education in grades K-12, which would include positive examples of individuals and relationships that are inclusive of all genders and sexual orientations.

Some Sex Ed Advocates Within the State

For more detailed information on how various districts in the state have been implementing these standards — and for recent legislation — you can read SIECUS’s Pennsylvania profile.