Health Education Standards Update
Earlier this month, our State Board of Education failed to prioritize the needs of young people and their access to life-saving health education information. At their September meeting, a majority of the Nebraska State Board of Education voted to delay the development of statewide health education standards, providing no clear plan or direction as to when they would finalize their work on this important issue. This delay silences the voices of youth, health care providers, sexual violence prevention experts, education professionals and parents who support access to comprehensive and inclusive sex education.
While we are disappointed that the Nebraska State Board of Education voted to pause the process, we’re committed to advocating at the local and state levels for access to sexual health information and sexual violence prevention for all young people in our state. We’ll continue to keep you updated on how, collectively, we can show up for young people. Please continue to reach out to your State Board of Education member to express your disappointment with the delay and encourage them to finish the process—young people can’t wait!
New Laws Supporting Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors
The bills passed during the 2021 Nebraska Legislative Session have now become law, and a few of our legislative priorities are now in place to provide more support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. To better understand these laws and how to make them work for you, we’ve put together some information on what’s new and how the laws work.
LB 320, introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh, expands eviction protections for domestic violence survivors and allows for termination of rental agreements through housing protections. Learn more about this law (English / Spanish).
Two bills strengthening the Crime Victim’s Reparations Program (LB 372, introduced by Senator Jen Day and LB 497, introduced by Senator Wendy DeBoer) increase access to financial support for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, trafficking and child abuse. Learn more about these laws (English / Spanish).
Redistricting Update
Every 10 years, our Legislature re-draws the boundaries for elected offices in our state, setting the foundation for the next decade of elections and subsequent policymaking. Elections have serious consequences for the direction of our state, and that is why it is important that the rules that determine who participates in those elections prioritize fair and meaningful representation for all voters.
The Nebraska Legislature has begun a special session to introduce and pass redistricting plans for Congress, Legislature, Public Service Commission, Board of Education, Board of Regents and Supreme Court Districts. Proposals for consideration were recently introduced.
The Nebraska Legislature has scheduled public hearings for new redistricting maps. This is your chance to demand fair maps for all.
- Wednesday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. in Lincoln (State Capitol Building, 1445 K St., Room 1524)
- Thursday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. in Omaha (Scott Conference Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 6450 Pine St.)
For more information on redistricting, visit ACLU of Nebraska’s website.
I Be Black Girl: October is Black Maternal Health Month
Nebraska ranks 19th in maternal mortality rates, and it is imperative for the health care systems to address why Black mamas and birthing folks are dying during and after birth. Our friends at I Be Black Girl are hosting workshops, learnings and experiences in October to support medical practitioners and Black birthing folks as well as those who care about the health of Black mamas and babies. See all the events and sign up to learn more online.