WYOMING, Mich. — The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming over how sexual orientation and gender identity topics are taught in the district.
According to a news release, the agency's Civil Rights Division sent a 12-page letter to the district's superintendent on Wednesday.
The letter alleges that Michigan's recently revised Health Education Standards Guidelines require school districts add instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity to health and sex education curriculum as early as sixth grade.
"Given the serious concerns over the introduction of these types of materials into Michigan public schools, DOJ is commencing a compliance review investigation of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools," the letter reads.
The DOJ cited changes to Michigan Health Education Standards Guidelines from November of last year as the basis for the investigation. In those changes, the state's Board of Education reiterated that parents would have the choice to opt their children out.
In a release back in November, Dr. Diane Golzynski, deputy superintendent for Business, Health, and Library Services with the Michigan Department of Education, said "When it comes to education, so it is ultimately up to local school boards and parents to determine what their health and sex ed curricula look like based on community input."
The federal investigation is examining several key areas, including whether the district properly notified parents of their right to opt their children out of such classes and whether schools limited access to single-sex areas like bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex.
As part of its investigation, the agency is asking the district to provide a number of items like policies, classroom presentations, curriculum and more related to health or sex education.
Dr. Arnetta Thomspon, superintendent for Godfrey-Lee provided a statement to Fox 17, saying:
"We are fully cooperating with this inquiry and will provide any requested information. At this time, this is a standard review process. The district is not facing any charges or findings of wrongdoing," the superintendent said. "We remain committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and have consistently operated in accordance with those laws."
The information is requested by April 6.
Two other Michigan districts are also under investigation: Detroit Public Schools and the Lansing School District.
FOX 17 reached out to Godfrey-Lee Schools for comment Wednesday night. We are waiting to hear back.
Read the full letter below:
Letter on Compliance Review - Godfrey-Lee Public Schools by news
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