- South Dakota state law does not mandate the teaching of sexuality education. However, abstinence is included as a topic under the required “character development instruction” mandated by South Dakota statute.
- Schools are required to provide instruction on disease prevention under the state’s Health Education Standards.
- Sex ed curricula are not required to include instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, or consent.
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 South Dakota profile.