The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) convened on February 9, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the curriculum for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind (USDB). A key focus of the meeting was the removal of specific videos from the human sexuality education curriculum, which sparked extensive debate among board members.

The board voted to exclude two videos titled "2 Minutes Will Change the Way You Think About Consent" and "Tea Consent" from the curriculum. The decision was influenced by concerns that the content of these videos was misleading and potentially confusing for students. Board members expressed that while the topics of consent and sexual education are crucial, the selected videos did not effectively convey these concepts. Superintendent Tanner noted that the videos had previously been removed from the state resource guide for similar reasons.

In addition to the video removals, board member Carrie proposed an amendment to ensure that USDB staff report back at the next meeting on how the curriculum will address the content that was excluded. This amendment was passed, emphasizing the board's commitment to maintaining effective educational resources.

The meeting also included a financial update from the USDB, indicating a stable financial position with sufficient funds to cover expenses. The board reported a balance of approximately $4.4 million in inflows over expenses for the first half of the fiscal year, with no immediate financial concerns.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the board's dedication to providing appropriate educational materials while ensuring compliance with state laws and addressing the needs of students. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the curriculum and potential development of new resources to enhance the educational experience for USDB students.