LANSING — Michigan House Republicans are pushing back against potential changes to the state’s education curriculum, taking issue with proposed instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades 6-8.
“The reality is, is that there’s lots of things in these proposed guidelines that do not line up with the beliefs of parents,” said Rep. Jay DeBoyer, head of the state House Oversight Committee.
Dr. Sue Carnell, the state’s interim superintendent, pushed back on arguments that the changes would be inappropriate or too mature for middle school children.
Local school boards must hold public hearings on changes to sex education, and Carnell says that the instruction would help schools serve as a welcoming environment for all students.
“When such things as gender identity are presented in a way that is medically accurate and developmentally appropriate, children experience lower rates of bullying, harassment and suicide,” Carnell said.
The state’s education standards haven’t been updated since 2007 and this year’s review is in line with previously scheduled updates.
Under the recommendations, parents would still have the right to opt their children out from sex-ed and HIV/AIDS instruction.
The recommendations come from the Michigan Department of Education, but wouldn’t be implemented unless approved by the State Board of Education.
Public comment on the changes closed earlier this month, and Carnell says that the draft standards are being updated currently.