A closer look at what the new state standards actually say, what they change, and why they’ve sparked debate.
The Michigan State Board of Education recently approved a new set of Health Education Standards Guidelines — the first major update since 2007. The goal is to help schools teach students how to stay healthy physically, mentally, and socially in today’s world. But some parts of the standards, especially those about gender identity, have become a source of debate across the state. The new guidelines cover health education statewide but do not create new laws or mandates for any district.”
In this article, we’ll explore what Michigan’s new Health and Sex Education Standards actually include, why the state chose to update them, and how the changes are being received across communities. We’ll look at what the guidelines say about teaching gender identity, why some call the approach inclusive, why others see it as overreach or indoctrination, and what the data shows about LGBTQ+ students in Michigan.
The Health Education Standards outline what Michigan students should learn to make informed choices about their health and well-being. The document sets guidelines, not a required curriculum. Each local school district decides whether and how to use them.
The standards cover a wide range of topics:
The new version also expands lessons on:
The expanded topics reflect modern health issues and student needs.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) develops standards with input from educators, health experts, parents, and the public. Drafts go through a public comment period before the State Board of Education votes on approval. This process ensures that the guidelines reflect both expert research and community feedback.
The current update aligns with the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which aims to improve student well-being and prepare every learner for success.
The last update was almost 20 years ago. Since then, Michigan schools have faced new challenges — from vaping and social-media pressures to mental-health concerns and online safety. MDE says the new guidelines align the state’s expectations with current science and public health data. They also aim to reflect the diversity of Michigan students and promote safe, supportive school environments.
The most significant shift is from memorizing health facts to practicing skills for lifelong wellness — such as communication, decision-making, goal-setting, and emotion management.
Other updates include:
These additions are meant to prepare students for real-world challenges, but they have also fueled political and community disagreements.
According to the Michigan Department of Education’s Health Education Standards Guidelines, lessons about gender identity are designed to build understanding and respect — not to tell students what to believe.
The standards define gender identity education as part of health and human development lessons that help students:
These ideas appear in the middle and high school grade bands (6–8 and 9–12) as optional topics that local districts can choose to include. They connect to broader health goals, such as self-awareness, emotional wellness, and reducing bullying and harassment.
The MDE’s official memo and press release emphasize that the purpose of these lessons is to help students understand themselves and others, support mental health, and create safer school environments — not to influence anyone’s identity.
The standards are grouped into grade bands (K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12). There is no requirement that schools teach gender identity or sexual orientation in early grades. Instead, the guidelines allow districts to introduce those ideas at developmentally appropriate levels if they choose.
For example:
Local school boards decide whether to include these lessons and what materials to use. Parents must be notified in advance and may opt their children out of any sex-education content.
Some parents, lawmakers, and advocacy groups have expressed concern about how gender identity and sexual orientation are included in the new standards. Their main worry is that these lessons could introduce sensitive topics too early or reflect beliefs they don’t share.
Common concerns include:
The new Michigan Health Education Standards do not introduce gender identity in kindergarten or early grades. According to the guidelines, those topics appear as optional lessons starting in middle school (grades 6–8) — a time when students begin learning about puberty, relationships, and emotional changes that come with adolescence.
Some groups, including the Heritage Foundation and the Discovery Institute, argue that any instruction about gender identity replaces biological sex with ideology and can confuse students. Others, however, note that Michigan’s guidelines do not remove biological education; they add optional lessons on respect, identity, and healthy communication.
Concerns about “undermining parents’ rights” are addressed by law. Michigan parents are not required to allow their children to take part in any sex-education lessons. Schools must notify parents in advance, let them review the materials, and provide a clear opt-out option with no penalty.
Supporters say the updates are about inclusion and safety, not ideology. They argue that:
Writers from outlets like the American Enterprise Institute and Newsweek have pointed out that even some conservatives support teaching about gender identity — when it’s done factually and age-appropriately — because it promotes understanding and prevents misinformation.
According to the GLSEN 2021 State Snapshot for Michigan, many LGBTQ+ students report unsafe school climates:
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that LGBTQ+ youth face higher risks of depression, bullying, and suicide attempts compared with their peers.
Equality Michigan’s 2025 guidebook notes that inclusive policies and supportive environments can reduce these risks and help LGBTQ+ students thrive.
Implementation depends on local decision-making. Each school district reviews the state guidelines and decides:
Districts often have advisory committees made up of parents, educators, and community members to review materials and make recommendations. Schools can choose to teach only the core health sections — such as nutrition, safety, and mental health — without including optional sexual health or gender identity content. (MDE Memo, Nov 2025)
Michigan law gives parents several protections:
Local school boards also decide who teaches health education and what qualifications are required. This means parents and communities have a direct voice in shaping how — and whether — these topics are taught in their schools. (MDE press release)
The new Michigan Health Education Standards aim to help students build healthy lives through knowledge and practical skills. For some, they represent long-overdue inclusivity and support for vulnerable students. For others, they raise concerns about age-appropriateness and parental rights.
The discussion reflects a broader national conversation about how schools balance health education, family values, and student well-being. Understanding what the standards actually say — and how they work — is the first step toward productive dialogue in Michigan’s classrooms and homes.
Note on Content Creation: This article was developed with assistance from AI tools to help organize research and refine language. All facts were independently verified, and the structure, analysis, and conclusions reflect the author’s own work.
The following sources were used to develop this report: