Capitol News

State Representative Joseph Pavlov, a former teacher, spoke at the latest Michigan State Board of Education meeting to advocate for parental rights and local control in sex education. Pavlov urged board members to reconsider their plan to change state health standards that would encourage schools to address topics such as same-sex relationships and gender identity.

Pavlov argued that including these subjects under health education is an attempt to pressure schools into adopting them in their curriculum. He said this move goes against current state law, which allows parents and local school boards significant authority over what is taught in sex education classes. Pavlov described the proposal as “an overreach that violates both state law and the trust of Michigan parents.”

He stated, “This proposal tries to pressure schools into taking important decisions away from parents, and that’s simply unacceptable. Parents have a right to decide what their children learn about sensitive topics like sexuality and family life. Ignoring their right to decide for their children isn’t just wrong, it’s also illegal.”

Citing Michigan law (MCL 380.1507), Pavlov emphasized that responsibility for sex education lies with local school boards and parent-appointed advisory committees. The law also ensures parents can opt their children out of lessons involving sexual content—something Pavlov said is not being honored by the new proposal.

“This board of bureaucrats wants to push their political views as healthcare, but they can’t take away parents’ rights,” he said. “We have clear protections against our kids’ education being at the mercy of political fights and radical activism. Those laws give parents peace of mind, and they’re important. I will continue to make sure our state board of education respects them.”

Pavlov recommended that any updates to Michigan’s health education standards should be handled by the Legislature for greater transparency and accountability.

After his remarks, the Board voted against withdrawing its proposal on Tuesday night, leaving the issue unresolved for now.