Update: The House Education Committee voted to advance House Bill 1201.
Background: House Bill 1201 would require school counselors to get permission from a student’s parent or guardian before providing counseling services to that student.
Our position: The ACLU of South Dakota opposes House Bill 1201. School counselors are responsible for respecting students' privacy and confidentiality. This bill would jeopardize that and would make it harder for students who are victims of abuse or for LGBTQ students who are not affirmed by their parents or guardians to seek help at school.
