North Dakota Mandated Human Trafficking Curriculum
State officials have introduced a new trafficking education program for students in middle and high schools.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has implemented a state-mandated human trafficking curriculum for students in the 6th, 8th, and 12th grades. This initiative follows legislative action passed during the 69th Legislative Session.
Why it matters
The curriculum was designed to educate students on human trafficking risks, though the state has provided a mechanism for parents to opt their children out of these sessions. Public and private school districts across North Dakota are now responsible for administering the program.
The curriculum is currently available to both public and private school districts throughout the state. While the instruction is state-mandated, parents retain the legal right to opt their children out of the sessions.
The players
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
This state agency oversees the administration of the human trafficking curriculum across all school districts in North Dakota.
318 Project
This organization is responsible for the development of the human trafficking curriculum materials used for 6th, 8th, and 12th graders.
The details
The program was developed by the 318 Project to provide age-appropriate education for middle and high school students. Schools are required to facilitate the lessons, though the opt-out policy ensures parental involvement remains a central feature of the implementation.
Timeline
The 69th Legislative Session established the mandate for the curriculum.
The curriculum implementation coincides with recent state legislative actions in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This curriculum reflects a broader trend of state legislatures codifying social education requirements into mandatory school policy. It marks a significant shift from localized school board control toward top-down state oversight on sensitive topics.
Parents in North Dakota can now review the curriculum materials and choose to opt their children out of the trafficking education sessions. This policy change requires households to engage with school administrations to determine whether their children will participate.
The takeaway
Families should check with their local school district office to obtain the opt-out forms and review the specific content of the 318 Project curriculum. Being informed about these state requirements allows parents to make decisions that align with their family's educational priorities.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Secondary Education across North Dakota.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1.
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