Alaskans invited to weigh in on sexual abuse, dating violence curriculum

CatholicAnchor.org
The Alaska Safe Children’s Act, also known as Erin’s Law and Bree’s Law, requires that Alaska school districts teach students about sexual abuse, dating violence and personal bodily safety.  The law also requires school staff to be trained in recognizing signs of child sexual abuse.

The law faced criticism last year in the Senate Education Committee when committee chairman, Sen. Mike Dunleavy of Wasilla, amended the bill to allow school districts the option of opting out of the curriculum. Additionally, Dunleavy added sections banning abortion providers like Planned Parenthood from working in schools, and requiring schools to get permission from parents before their children can participate in sexual education classes. The final bill took out these provisions inserted by Dunleavy.

In moving forward with implementing the new law, a 10-member task force will recommend specific curriculum and teacher training materials related to sexual abuse and dating violence. In preparation for making the recommendations, the task force has scheduled meetings to hear public input from Alaskans. The next such meeting is set for Friday, March 18, 1-4:30 p.m., at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office. The teleconference number 844-586-9085. Public comment will be taken 3-3:30 p.m. Participants must sign up by 3:15 pm.

Specifically, the task force is interested in hearing about the needs of school districts and other stakeholders in implementing identified curriculum. It also wants to hear about any barriers to implementation, as well as overall recommendation and suggestions. For more information, email Patricia.Owen@alaska.gov or call 907-465-2939.

The 10-member task force includes lawmakers, the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, the executive director of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and other stakeholders. This group will provide final recommendations to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

The task force is charged with providing recommendations for age-appropriate curriculum and training materials related to suicide prevention, sexual abuse and prevention, dating violence and alcohol and drug related disabilities.  The recommendations are due by June 30, 2016.