SE Grand Rapids News

State Representative Gina Johnsen (R-Portland), along with Representatives Joe Fox, Jamie Thompson, and other legislators, has introduced a House resolution calling on the Michigan Department of Education and the State Board of Education to reject a proposed Health Education Standards Framework.

Johnsen stated, “House Resolution 194 is about accountability, parental rights, and the rule of law. Parents, not bureaucrats, have the fundamental right to direct the moral and educational upbringing of their children.”

According to Johnsen, current Michigan law requires that sex education be managed at the local level, remain transparent, and be optional. She expressed concern that the new framework would make lessons on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation part of mandatory health instruction. She argued this would limit parental choice and diminish local control.

“Our schools should be focused on improving reading, writing, and math, not advancing ideology or replacing the values taught at home,” Johnsen said. “Families, faith, and freedom remain the foundation of Michigan’s communities, and that must be reflected in our classrooms.”

A public hearing regarding these standards is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28 at 10:30 a.m., before the House Oversight Subcommittee on Child Welfare chaired by Rep. Luke Meerman. The hearing will take place in Room 308 of the House Anderson Building. Johnsen encouraged parents, educators, and citizens to participate.

“This is about more than education standards,” Johnsen concluded. “It is about who gets to raise and guide our children. Parents or the State. With this resolution and through the upcoming hearing, we are standing firm for Michigan families and for the rights of parents to decide what is best for their children.”