Stop the Sexualization of Children Act

Limits on federally funded K–12 materials

If enacted, the bill would bar state and local education agencies and schools that get federal K–12 money from using those funds to develop, run, host, or promote programs, activities, books, or other materials for children under 18 that include “sexually oriented material.” It would define that phrase to include any depiction, description, or simulation of sexually explicit conduct (as described in 18 U.S.C. 2256(2)(A) and (B)) and any material that involves gender dysphoria or transgenderism. The bill would say this restriction does not stop teaching standard science courses (for example, biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, ecology, human health, microbiology, botany, and zoology), the texts of major world religions, classic works of literature, or classic works of art. It would also name specific sources used to identify those classic works (Smarthistory AP Art History volumes 1–5 for art, and the Great Books of the Western World plus two Compass Classroom lists for literature). The rule would take effect upon enactment.