Overview
- An Oct. 28 House hearing exchange shows Chief Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell declining to give a number when asked by Rep. Jay DeBoyer how many genders exist, saying people hold different beliefs.
- The clip was reposted on X by LibsofTikTok in mid‑November and has drawn more than 2 million views, prompting a wave of criticism from conservative commentators and lawmakers.
- The Michigan State Board of Education approved updated health and sex‑education guidelines in a 6–2 vote last week that include recommendations on teaching gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Carnell said in a statement that the discussion should focus on the research‑based guidance, which calls for students by the end of eighth grade to define gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation and to distinguish those concepts from biological sex.
- The Department of Education emphasized the standards are non‑binding, local school boards set curricula, and parents retain the right to decide whether their children participate in sex‑education instruction.