ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)– Roanoke County School Board members approved a new policy on Dec. 15, which focuses on sexually explicit student instructional material in the classrooms.
According to the Code of Virginia 22.1-16.8 and RCPS School Board Policy 6.62a, instructional materials with sexually explicit content must be identified and notice be given to parents prior to use with students.
Specifically, the following procedures must be followed:
- Teachers, in consultation with school and division instructional leaders, determine which instructional materials, if any, contain sexually explicit content, based on the definitions provided in Policy 6.62a.
- The identification of instructional materials containing sexually explicit content normally takes place prior to the school year.
- Whether identified instructional materials meet the definition of sexually explicit content is verified by the principal and instructional supervisor for the academic subject area.
- A list of instructional materials with sexually explicit content is maintained on the school website, by grade and subject area.
- At least 30 days prior to the use of such materials with students, the teacher notifies parents in writing and provides access (online if technically practicable and permitted by copyright laws) to the materials to parents.
- For parents who request in writing that alternative materials be provided to their child, the teacher provides alternative materials without sexually explicit content.
The ‘draft’ of the new policy, explains the purpose, and a step-by-step breakdown of what parents should expect.
