This comment concerns the Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content.

The model policy is consistent with the standards articulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was adopted in 1948.  Every country in the world except Saudi Arabia has agreed that this document is the applicable standard that applies worldwide.  Accordingly, laws and policies that do not adhere to this standard constitute a violation of international standards.  It is important that the United States not deviate from this standard if we want to be able to hold other countries accountable for their violations of human rights.

As a 30-year U.S. diplomat and an international human rights attorney, I am firmly in favor of the adoption of the Model Policies Concerning Instructional Materials with Sexually Explicit Content in Virginia.