LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan State Board of Education (MDE) ignored concerns from parents, community groups, and previous hearings from lawmakers regarding revised health education standards and approved them 6-2 anyway on Thursday.

More than 100 people signed up to speak during the public comment portion of Thursday’s meeting but the writing was already on the wall. The approved recommendations mandate that gender identity and sexual orientation be taught to students of all ages under the new “Michigan Health Education Standards Guidelines.”

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Proponents of the standards will help LGBTQ+ students understand themselves. Opponents say the standards undermine parental choice and religious liberties protections.

During the hearing, a scientist threw shade at Michigan parents. “Parents do not know best. Scientists know best. Experts know the best,” he said.

After the hearing, Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell said “Much has changed in the world and our students will benefit from the updated health standards given that the previous standards were nearly 20 years old.”

However, some pushed back during the public comment period about why the MDE appeared to be in a hurry to change the standards.  “Why now? Why today? Why this? If you really want to address health and the sex ed, let’s take time,” said Eileen McNeil, president of Citizens for Traditional Values.