Petition to the Michigan State Board of Education
The proposed Health Education Standards Framework introduces controversial content under the label of health. Among other things, the draft requires instruction that defines gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation as distinct parts of every student’s identity, teaches that attractions can change over time, and encourages students to foster inclusivity and respect around issues related to gender and sexuality.
This is not traditional health education. It is social and ideological instruction that belongs in the home, guided by parents’ faith, values, and beliefs, not in classrooms with young children. Michigan law, MCL 380.1507, clearly states that sex education must be voluntary, with full parental notice, access to review materials, and the right to opt out. By embedding gender and sexuality instruction into health curriculum, these standards would remove parents from the decision process.
At the same time, Michigan schools are struggling. We rank 44th in 4th grade reading and 38th in 8th grade math. Only 39 percent of third graders read proficiently. Every minute spent on ideology is time taken from reading, writing, and math.
- Focus schools on academics first, including reading, math, science, and civics.
- Respect parental authority and transparency, as guaranteed by law.
- Reject any curriculum that teaches gender identity or sexual orientation without explicit parental consent.
We respectfully urge the Michigan State Board of Education to withdraw or vote down the proposed Health Education Standards and uphold parental rights, academic excellence, and lawful transparency.
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