State Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington) helped introduced a resolution condemning the Michigan Department of Education’s teacher training videos on student gender orientation and reaffirming the fundamental right of parents to direct the education of their children.

The department’s new training protocol pushes gender fluidity to elementary school students and encourages teachers to facilitate the sexual transition of minors without parental consent. The policy encourages educators to keep the student’s new name, pronouns, and sexual identity confidential from the family, unless otherwise directed by the child – even if the child is in mental health crisis or contemplating thoughts of suicide.

Green and others in opposition to the MDE policy say the new protocol strips parents of their rights, and that it is especially concerning considering the staggering number of suicides and attempted suicides amongst America’s transgender and gender-questioning youth.

“Parents have a right to know about what goes on while their kids are at school and the conversations they are having with their teachers and counselors,” Green said. “As a dad, I can attest that no one knows a child’s needs better than their parents. The MDE has no right to wedge them out of their parenting duties.”  

The resolution defends the rights of parents:

“The fundamental right of parents over the upbringing of their children has been unequivocally established in the United States. Parents are in the best position to know their children’s needs and circumstances, and therefore should maintain authority over all information and decisions that could impact the health and well-being of their children,” the resolution reads.

The resolution, HR 349, was approved with overwhelming support on Wednesday.

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