North Dakota Schools Adopt Trafficking Curriculum
Public and private schools have launched new human trafficking lessons for specific grades, with an opt-out option for parents.
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 6th, 8th, and 12th grades. This educational initiative is available to both public and private school districts across the state.
Why it matters
The curriculum was introduced following legislation passed during the 69th Legislative Session to provide students with resources on human trafficking. Parents retain the right to opt their children out of these specific education sessions.
The curriculum developed by the 318 Project covers three specific grade levels (6th, 8th, and 12th) across the state. While available to all districts, parents maintain the final decision on their child's participation.
The players
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
The state agency responsible for overseeing K-12 education and implementing mandated curriculum standards.
318 Project
The organization responsible for developing the human trafficking curriculum materials used by the school districts.
The details
The program is administered by the Department of Public Instruction and provides specialized training materials tailored to the age groups. School districts utilize the 318 Project resources to meet the state-mandated requirements established by recent legislation. Parents wishing to exclude their students from these sessions should coordinate directly with their local school administration to exercise the opt-out policy.
Timeline
February 2026: The legislature held a prior special session.
October 6, 2026: Special election for Fargo city wards.
November 2026: Ballot measure vote for state-funded school meals.
The Home Front
This mandate follows legislative directives from the 69th Legislative Session regarding classroom requirements. It represents a shift in state-wide educational policy regarding student safety and wellness topics.
Families should check with their local school district office to confirm when these sessions are scheduled for their children. If you prefer to opt your child out of the training, contact the school administration to review their specific opt-out forms.
The takeaway
Parents should review the school district calendar and reach out to administrators to learn about the opt-out process for the new human trafficking modules. Understanding these classroom requirements early allows families to manage their student's schedule appropriately for the school year.
Further reading
For more on evolving classroom standards, visit Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1.
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