On October 1, 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law the California Healthy Youth Act (AB 329) amending California Education Code Sections 51930-51939. The law requires school districts to ensure that all pupils in grades 7 through 12 receive comprehensive sexual health and HIV/AIDS prevention education.
The 2018-2019 Ventura County Grand Jury investigated 18 Ventura County school districts and County-operated schools concerning the implementation of those provisions of AB 329 that pertain to the notification of parents or guardians, including the requirement to provide written requests to excuse, or opt-out, students from mandated sex-education and HIV/AIDS protection curriculum and surveys.
The Grand Jury found that all but one of the districts investigated had enacted policies and procedures implementing AB 329. However, these districts did not provide information to parents or guardians that no penalty would be imposed on their children if they opted-out of the sex-education curriculum, or related surveys. Most did not provide information that an alternative curriculum would be provided to students who opted-out.
The Grand Jury understands the potentially sensitive and difficult nature of implementing AB 329. However, the Grand Jury recommends greater clarity in school district notifications that explain the rights and options of parents or guardians. This should include the details of the curriculum and student surveys, making it easier for parents or guardians to state their preferences as recognized by the intent of the Legislature.
The public is invited to review the entire report. It can be accessed at www.ventura.org/grand-jury; click on the Annual Reports tab and consult “Fiscal Year 2018-2019.”
May 31, 2019
Citizens Journal
By Debra Tash
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