SOUTH DAKOTA

South Dakota Sexuality Education Law and Policy

South Dakota law does not require schools to teach sexuality education. Instead, the decision is left up to local school boards. However, schools are required to teach “character development instruction,” which includes sexual abstinence.

The South Dakota Health Education Standards includes HIV/STD prevention in grades seven through twelve. The state does not require a specific curriculum.

South Dakota does not require parental permission for students to participate in sexuality or HIV/AIDS education nor does it say whether parents or guardians can remove their children from such classes.

See South Dakota Statute 13-33-6.1 and the South Dakota Health Education Standards .