- Connecticut state law does not require schools to teach sexuality education, but Connecticut General Statutes §§ 164-10-16(b)–(f) do require schools to teach human growth and development and disease prevention.
- Connecticut has no law regarding instruction on abstinence, nor is the state required to include instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation, or on consent.
- The Connecticut State Board of Education is charged with developing family life education curriculum guidelines that “shall include, but not be limited to, information on developing a curriculum including family planning; human sexuality; parenting; nutrition; and the emotional, physical, psychological, hygienic, economic and social aspects of family life, provided the curriculum guides shall not include information pertaining to abortion as an alternative to family planning.” However, Connecticut statute also states that the instruction must be left to the discretion of local or regional boards of education.
- Parents or guardians may remove their children from sex-ed classes with written notification. This is referred to as an “opt-out” policy.
- The Guidelines for the Sexual Health Education Component of Comprehensive Health Education provides guidance for sex-ed curricula in Connecticut. This includes information on “differentiating between gender identity, sexual orientation, and the concept of gender roles,” identifying and discussing “the value of postponing sexual activity, the methods and effectiveness of contraception, ways to protect oneself from communicable diseases,” and defining and describing “healthy sexuality and sexual expression throughout the lifespan.”
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 Connecticut profile.