Michigan Board Approves New Health and Sex-Ed Guidelines in 6-2 Vote

Overview

• The State Board adopted updated standards for the first time since 2007, recommending instruction on sexual orientation, gender identity, consent and safe-sex practices.
• Republican members Tom McMillin and Nikki Snyder voted no, and McMillin’s amendment to recast identity language as belief rather than fact was defeated.
• Officials emphasized local control: districts choose curricula, sex-ed advisory boards must include at least 50% parents, and parents retain notification and opt-out protections under state law.
• After public feedback, the department separated sex education into its own section, added an appendix of relevant laws and strengthened language outlining parent rights.
• Public input was sharply divided with large turnout and competing tallies, and House Republicans escalated oversight with a subpoena for department records tied to the standards.