One of the most contentious parts of the bill involves parental involvement. Currently, parents must opt their children into sex ed programs, but this overhaul would assume parental permission unless they actively opt-out. Critics argue this annual opt-out requirement might leave parents unaware of what their kids are learning until it’s too late.

The bill would also eliminate the requirement for clergy representation on local sex education advisory boards in the schools shaping sex-ed curriculum, transferring control to government-appointed officials. This shift, critics say, erodes community influence and removes religious perspectives from curriculum oversight.

Bringing sensitive topics to younger students.

Under the proposed curriculum, topics typically reserved for older students would be introduced to younger grades. Salt & Light Global warns that discussions on relationships and gender identity would start in elementary school, with teachers expected to present same-sex relationships and transgender identities in teaching materials. Critics fear this could create confusion among young children still developing their understanding of identity and relationships. Additionally, educators that don’t even know the students could be teaching the classes without any personal knowledge about any of the children they are teaching to.

Voices from concerned opponents.

Katherine Bussard, Executive Director of Salt & Light Global, expressed serious concerns over the bill’s implications. “I think it’s very concerning that we’re presenting abortion potentially as a form of birth control or as a pregnancy outcome,” she said. Bussard questioned the age-appropriateness of certain topics, noting that young children may not process complex health concepts fully. She argued these conversations should be between parents and children, not conducted in classrooms.

She added that the current curriculum stays neutral on politically charged issues like abortion, the LGBTQ community, and gender; however, this new bill brings in a political agenda not rooted in science about gender and alternative ways of measuring human identity. She expressed concern that removing neutrality on these sensitive topics could lead to a polarized curriculum that fails to consider the values of all families involved.

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Bussard also emphasized the importance of abstinence education, saying, “Teaching abstinence is huge.” According to the State of Michigan’s Adolescent Sexual Health Dashboard, more than 75% of students in the state report choosing abstinence and less than 18% of students reported being sexually active, with the overwhelming number of those students reported using protective devices. Teen pregnancy was also at a record low, with an average of just 12.3 reported births among every 1,000 young women aged 15-19 (more than 2 points below the national average). Salt & Light Global says about the numbers, “While there is always room to improve, these statistics would suggest that engaged parenting and Michigan’s emphasis on abstinence and healthy decision making in existing sex education are having a positive effect year over year.”

Accessing resources without parental knowledge.

The bill being drafted also mandates that schools provide sexual and reproductive health resources and services to students, which critics argue could allow school staff to guide students toward family planning clinics and contraception without notifying parents. Some say this crosses into government overreach, as it offers students resources to discuss these matters without parental involvement.

Responses from Michigan educators.

Superintendent Jason Kennedy of Fruitport Schools, who recently reviewed the bill’s presentation along with several other superintendents, expressed alarm at the proposed changes. In a letter to school board president David Hazekamp, he described the legislation being pushed as what lawmakers consider to be a “once in a lifetime” chance to change the laws and also pointed out the Michigan Organization of Sexual Health in Adolescents’ (MOASH) participation in backing the bill saying he was in “shock” and awe of what he heard from them.

MOASH, whose website says they advocate for comprehensive sexual health education inclusive of all identities, did not respond to Michigan News Source’s request for comment. Also according to their website, the organization says it believes sexual health education “starts at birth and is a lifelong learning process that respects cultural norms, values, and beliefs.”

MI-SRA Council’s perspective.

Michigan News Source reached out to the Michigan Sexual Risk Avoidance (MI-SRA) Council, a group of educators promoting risk-avoidance education, and they oppose the proposed bill. Lhauren Singleton, Board Chair of MI-SRA, commented that the current standards “provide a solid framework” for sexual risk avoidance education, prioritizing safety and high standards for Michigan teens. She expressed concern that the new bill would eliminate these standards and “significantly reduce citizens’ control over local educational content.”

Singleton went on to say, “Our primary concern is that this overhaul, as drafted, may overemphasize sexual risk reduction while undervaluing the real-life benefits of avoiding risk behaviors.” She added, “We believe in maintaining high standards that have proven to support positive youth development” and says the organization advocates for preserving the current standards so that medically-accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education that prioritizes long-term well-being and success stays in place.

How parents can rally against the bill.

Salt & Light Global is mobilizing parents and urging them to take a stand. The organization’s message is clear: this bill would override parents’ rights to determine what their children learn about relationships and sexuality. They encourage parents to read the bill, contact their legislators, and spread the word to fellow parents and community members. Salt & Light also encourages families to stay active within their school districts to ensure local voices are heard, even if the bill passes.