The Michigan Department of Education has proposed an overhaul of health education standards to be taught in classrooms across the state, the first update since 2007.
According to the MDE, the update is meant to “better reflect current trends, terminology, and best practices” and to be “more culturally responsive,” especially around nutrition, safety, and emotional health.
On paper, that sounds reasonable. But buried within the document for grades six through eight are topics that go well beyond typical health education. The new draft standards introduce gender ideology for children as young as 11 and 12, teaching that gender is fluid, attraction can change over time, and that schools should identify and support policies related to all “gender expressions.”
The section on sexual health for middle schoolers reads:
- Define gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and explain that they’re distinct components of every individual’s identity.
- Explain how biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression are distinct concepts and how they interact with each other.
- Explain that romantic, emotional, and/or sexual attractions can be toward an individual of the same gender and/or different gender(s), and that attractions can change over time.
Another section raises some valid concerns:
- Analyze the similarities and differences between friendships, romantic relationships, and sexual relationships and discuss various ways to show affection within different relationships.
I think I’ll pass on having children discuss with their teachers how to show sexual affection with adults and peers.
Another section also directs high schoolers to:
- Identify and support school and community policies that promote respect for all gender identities and expressions.
Districts will supposedly have flexibility in how they implement these standards, with parental input on sex education. But if history is any indicator, it’s likely to fly under the radar, with few parents even realizing they can weigh in.
Remember, as parents, we have the right to review and opt out of all sexual health education.
The most important thing we can do today is give our feedback. Public comment on the proposed health education standards closes October 10.
Funny how you probably haven’t heard much about it. It’s almost like they didn’t want parents to know.
You can review the proposed standards and leave your feedback here: Michigan Department of Education – Health & Safety Page.
Whether your children attend public school or not, this affects all of us. These standards shape what’s considered normal in classrooms and youth programs across the state. Homeschooling and private education are great options, but we also have to keep fighting for the schools that belong to all of our kids.
Emily Richett is a mom of four, former news reporter, podcaster, and author of “Mama Bear Survival.”
