DEWITT, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One Clinton County school is teaching an optional lesson that will “share and explore pronouns” with students in one of its elementary schools.
DeWitt Public Schools sent home a letter to Schavey Road Elementary parents last week informing them of the upcoming teaching. It specified that students would be listening to the book “They She He Me: Free to Be!” and practice using they/them pronouns. In addition, the lesson discusses what to do if students “make a mistake with pronouns” and “learn that it’s not okay to change someone’s pronouns on purpose.”
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The summary of the book’s content says, in part, that it shows “many gender presentations under each pronoun and invites even more.”
Schavey Road Elementary houses young five, kindergarten, and first grade students. The other two elementary schools are Scott (grades 2-3) and Herbison Woods (grades 4-5).
The letter sent home to parents is below:
Michigan News Source reached out to the school district for a comment. Superintendent Dr. Shanna Spickard, who is retiring on June 30, offered a statement. “This optional mini-lesson is not part of the core curriculum but is a supportive measure to promote inclusivity, a core value of our district,” Dr. Spickard said. “In line with our approach to personal health curriculum, families received a letter outlining the lesson and providing an option to opt their child out if they wish. The mini-lesson is not designed to challenge or alter family beliefs. Instead, it aims to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment where students feel valued.”
Parents have until Thursday to contact the principal and review the lesson or opt out.
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