Curricular Exemption

Mandatory Curricular Exemptions:

Upon the written request of a parent or guardian received by the school district prior to planned instruction in the areas set forth below, the Meriden Board of Education (the “Board”) shall permit curricular exemptions for instruction in the following areas:

1. Dissection; 

2. Family life education;

3. HIV/AIDS; 

4. Sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program; or

5. Firearm safety programs.

Definitions:

“Dissection instruction” is defined as instruction in which a student must participate in, or observe, the dissection of any animal. 

“Family life education instruction” is defined as instruction pertaining to family planning, human sexuality, parenting, nutrition and the emotional, physical, psychological, hygienic, economic and social aspects of family life.  

“HIV/AIDS instruction” is defined as ongoing and systematic instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) offered by the district pursuant to state law.

“Sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program” is defined as the state-wide program identified or developed by the Department of Children and Families, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services, Inc. (or a similar entity) that includes age-appropriate educational materials designed for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, regarding child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention that may include, but not be limited to, (A) the skills to recognize (i) child sexual abuse and assault, (ii) boundary violations and unwanted forms of touching and contact, and (iii) ways offenders groom or desensitize victims, and (B) strategies to (i) promote disclosure, (ii) reduce self-blame, and (iii) mobilize bystanders.

Written Request for Mandatory Exemption:

Parents who wish to exercise such exemptions must notify the building principal in writing in advance of the instruction to be provided.

Other Curricular Exemptions:

The Board does not require teachers to exempt students from any aspect of the curriculum except as the law may require.  Parents who wish to request a curricular exemption other than those noted above must notify the building principal in writing in advance of the instruction to be provided.  The school district administration will consider whether to permit a requested exemption in accordance with applicable law.

Alternative Assignments:

1. Any student excused from participating in, or observing, the dissection of any animal as part of classroom instruction shall be required to complete an alternate assignment to be determined by the teacher.

2.  Any student excused from participating in the sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program or a firearm safety program shall be provided, during the period of time in which the student would otherwise be participating in such program, an opportunity for other study or academic work as determined by the teacher.

3. Any student excused from any other aspect of the curriculum may be required by the teacher to complete an alternative assignment as determined by the teacher.

Legal References:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-16c    

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-16e

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-18c  

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-18d    

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-19(b)

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 17a-101q  

Mahmoud v. Taylor, 145 S. Ct. 2332 (2025)

Approved: November 17, 2015

Amended: December 6, 2016

Amended: March 17, 2026

Approved: March 17, 2026