Capitol News

House Oversight Committee Chair Jay DeBoyer led the passage of a House Resolution aimed at supporting parental rights and addressing concerns about recent changes to Michigan’s health education standards.

“Michigan continues to perform poorly when it comes to reading and math proficiency for students, but bureaucrats in our state think lessons on multiple gender theory are a more constructive use of time,” said DeBoyer, who represents Clay Township. “Public schools in our state serve the needs of students by cooperating with parents and legal guardians to enhance learning and skills in a safe and positive structure. It is wholly unacceptable to stray from that fundamental principle with politically motivated ideologies and content in the classroom, but we unfortunately find ourselves in this position due to the board’s reckless actions.”

In September, the State Board of Education approved a draft updating health education standards for the first time since 2007. The proposed changes include new material on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation for grades 6-8. This move has drawn criticism from families who argue that these topics blur distinctions between general health education and sex education, introduce inappropriate or unproven subjects, and could reduce opportunities for parents to opt their children out of certain lessons since health education is mandatory across all grades.

The committee invited interim state Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell to discuss these proposed updates and their potential impact on Michigan students and families. According to Carnell, the board is considering revisions based on public feedback.

House Resolution 195 opposes the updated standards and calls on both the State Board of Education and Department of Education to either redraft or reject them. DeBoyer noted that existing state law already sets clear requirements for sex education, emphasizing local control, parental involvement, and opt-out provisions designed to protect family rights and maintain transparency.

Previously, DeBoyer’s committee heard testimony from former state Superintendent Michael Rice and Board of Education President Pamela Pugh regarding efforts to improve student performance in math and reading after a commission appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer found that seven out of ten Michigan students lack proficiency in those subjects.

“Many parents do not believe it is the role of government to dictate the sensitive subjects that we discussed with Dr. Carnell to families. That’s just a fact,” DeBoyer said. “We must focus on the most pressing issues facing our students in the classroom so they can prepare for their futures, instead of prioritizing fringe interests.”