LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – A tense and lengthy House Oversight Committee hearing Tuesday morning has sent the Michigan Department of Education’s proposed update to current health education standards back to the drawing board.
This is the first time the standards are being changed since 2007, sparking concerns about the inclusion of certain ideological beliefs. 6 News was there for the two-and-half-hour-long meeting as those on both sides of the issue voiced their thoughts.
“The research is clear that for all students feeling seen, heard, and valued at school is the foundation for successful academic engagement and achievement,” said Dept. of Education Chief Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell.
Carnell sat in the hot seat for more than an hour testifying in support of the department’s proposed health education standards.
“There are certain standards that can be met, but it’s not required that they teach all of them. The only requirement is communicable diseases,” said Carnell.
The department announced potential changes in September and quickly received pushback from some lawmakers and community members about the content and parental rights.
“The standards change, but the local control and parents’ ability to review curriculum and opt their child out does not change,” said Carnell.
Dr. Carnell says parental control is not being lost, while Lansing attorney David Kallman disagrees.
“There is no clear opt out provision in the standards regarding health,” said Kallman. “There’s constant reference to sex education and opting out. There is no such comparable language in the health standards or the health code.”
He, along with others rejecting the standards, raised concerns over blurring the lines between health education—which is required by state—and sex education—which is up to local districts.
“What falls under the definition of sex education? That’s what’s not clear here,” said Kallman.
“Isn’t understanding your own civil rights and those of others in the state that you live in important to mental health and physical health?” said State Rep. Dylan Wegela (D-Garden City).
Wegela joined six others in a ‘no’ vote, but with ten ‘yes’ votes to reject the changed standards, the department will need to redraft.
“Schools should strengthen minds, not replace the values taught at home,” said State Rep. Gina Johnsen (R-Lake Odessa), who also introduced the resolution to reject the proposed standards.
“It does not mean that other subjects or content should not be taught,” said Carnell.
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