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2024 SESSION

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SB 379 Public high schools; SOL curriculum guidelines for research-based hazing prevention instruction.

Introduced by: Jennifer B. Boysko | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Public high schools; research-based hazing prevention instruction. Requires the Board of Education to develop Standards of Learning and curriculum guidelines for research-based hazing prevention instruction to be provided as a part of physical or health education instruction provided to students in grade nine or 10. The bill requires such hazing prevention instruction to include age-appropriate, extensive, and current education about hazing, including (i) examples of hazing; (ii) the dangers of hazing, including the consequences of alcohol intoxication; and (iii) school policies and laws related to hazing, including criminal penalties and bystander intervention. The bill requires such research-based hazing prevention instruction to be offered in-person but requires each school board to provide options for virtual participation for any student who is enrolled in an online or virtual physical or health education program. Finally, the bill requires each school board to provide such research-based hazing prevention instruction beginning with the school year following the Board's adoption of revised Standards of Learning for physical and health education for grades nine and 10 incorporating such research-based hazing prevention instruction and directs the Board to, in the intermediary time, develop and post on its website guidance documents for the purpose of making such research-based hazing prevention instruction available to local school boards. This bill is identical to HB 719.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Public high schools; research-based hazing prevention instruction. Requires each local school board to develop a program of research-based hazing prevention instruction to be provided to students in grade nine or 10 as a part of their physical and health education. The bill requires such hazing prevention instruction to include age-appropriate, extensive and current education about hazing, including (i) examples of hazing; (ii) the dangers of hazing, including the consequences of alcohol intoxication; and (iii) school policies and laws related to hazing, including criminal penalties and bystander intervention. The bill requires such research-based hazing prevention instruction to be offered in-person and, for any student who is enrolled in an online or virtual physical or health education program, virtually. The bill also directs the Board of Education to incorporate such hazing prevention instruction into the Standards of Learning for physical and health education for students in grade nine or 10. Under current law, activities designed to prevent the recurrence of violence and crime, including hazing, is required but no time frame is specified nor specific program on hazing prevention required as part of the Standards of Learning. The bill requires such research-based hazing prevention instruction to be implemented beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.