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protect students and employees at institutions of higher education from divisive concepts.

South Dakota colleges and public schools cannot require students to affirm beliefs that any race is superior or inferior, or that individuals should feel guilt or responsibility for historical actions based on their race or ethnicity. Schools also cannot use courses or instruction that compel students to adopt these beliefs or that single out students based on race or color. This creates new restrictions on classroom instruction and student requirements at higher education institutions and school districts.

assist students in objectively reviewing scientific information.

This bill protects classroom teachers from being prohibited from having students analyze both the strengths and weaknesses of scientific information taught in South Dakota schools. It allows teachers to help students critically examine scientific concepts in an objective manner without facing restrictions from school districts. The bill doesn't require this teaching approach—it simply prevents schools from banning teachers who choose to do it.

to protect elementary and secondary students from political indoctrination.

This bill prohibits South Dakota public schools from teaching students seven specific concepts deemed "divisive," including the idea that individuals bear responsibility for past actions of their racial or ethnic group, that meritocracy is racist, or that students should feel guilt based on their race or ethnicity. The law restricts classroom instruction on topics related to race, religion, sex, and ethnicity by defining what cannot be taught as official school policy. Schools that violate these restrictions could face consequences, though the bill text excerpt doesn't detail specific penalties.

incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings in the social studies curriculum.

South Dakota schools must now incorporate the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings—which focus on the nine federally recognized tribes in the state—into their social studies curriculum for all elementary and secondary students. The State Board of Education Standards must consult with the South Dakota Indian education advisory council when developing these curriculum rules. This changes existing law by making the inclusion of Native American tribal history and perspectives a requirement rather than an optional consideration.

increase the required units of United States government for high school graduation.

South Dakota high schools must now require students to complete at least one unit of United States government as part of their graduation requirements. This bill adds a specific mandate for U.S. government coursework within the existing three-unit social studies requirement, ensuring all students receive instruction in how the American government works before graduating.

authorize parental review of instructional and curricular materials.

HB1310 requires South Dakota school districts to post all instructional materials, curriculum, and activity descriptions on their websites so parents can review what their children are being taught. The bill defines "learning materials" broadly to include textbooks, videos, websites, and materials created by teachers, as well as "activities" like civics projects, guest speakers, and field trips. This gives parents greater transparency and access to information about their children's education.

Urging the Associated School Boards of South Dakota to immediately discontinue any affiliation with or participation in the National School Boards Association.

This is a resolution urging the Associated School Boards of South Dakota to immediately stop working with or being a member of the National School Boards Association. It does not change state law itself, but instead expresses the legislature's position that the state's school board organization should sever its ties with the national organization.

prohibit the use of political litmus tests in education.

This bill prohibits South Dakota's state universities (Board of Regents institutions) from requiring job applicants or employees to pledge support for specific ideologies related to diversity, equity, inclusion, systemic racism, or gender identity as a condition of employment, promotion, or tenure. The bill also bars universities from giving preferential treatment to candidates based on their views on these topics or on a person's race or ethnicity. In effect, it prevents universities from using what the bill calls "political litmus tests" in hiring and advancement decisions.

provide for the designated use of public school multi-occupancy rooms and sleeping rooms.

This bill requires South Dakota public schools to designate multi-occupancy bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers for exclusive use by students of the same biological sex (defined by genetics and anatomy at birth). Students who are unable or unwilling to use facilities designated for their biological sex can request a single-occupancy alternative, but cannot request access to facilities designated for the opposite sex, with accommodations lasting no longer than one school year.

permit the wearing of a beaded graduation cap at a school honoring or graduation ceremony.

HB 1185 allows students to wear beaded graduation caps at school graduation and honoring ceremonies. This removes any restriction that previously prevented graduates from wearing traditionally beaded caps during these official school events.

codify minimum requirements for high school graduation.

This bill sets specific minimum course requirements that all South Dakota public high schools must follow for graduation, including four English units, three math units, three science units, and courses in social studies, personal finance, fine arts, and physical education. Instead of allowing each school district to set its own graduation standards through department rules, this bill writes the requirements directly into state law so they apply uniformly across the state. The bill also updates a scholarship eligibility rule to reference these new statutory graduation requirements.

require a moment of silence in schools to begin the school day.

South Dakota schools would be required to start each school day with a one-minute moment of silence where students and staff can voluntarily pray, reflect, meditate, or engage in other quiet activities—but no school employee can direct what students do during this time. The law explicitly prevents schools from using the moment of silence as a religious exercise, and students cannot disrupt others participating in it.

require display of the state motto or the state seal in public schools.

HB 1198 requires South Dakota public schools to display either the state motto or state seal in school buildings. The bill mandates this visual display as a new requirement for all public K-12 schools in the state.