The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into three Michigan public school districts, focusing on classroom content pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), and student access to gender-based facilities. This inquiry encompasses the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and Lansing School District as announced by The Center Square.
The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ, under the administration of President Donald Trump, is examining the districts’ compliance with Title IX regulations that prioritize protections based on biological sex. The investigation, revealed on Wednesday, seeks to determine if these districts provide SOGI instruction from pre-K through 12th grade and if parents are adequately informed of their ability to opt their children out of such lessons.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division stated that the department is acting in response to a perceived increasing trend of incorporating SOGI content into public education. Dhillon cited Supreme Court precedent affirming parental rights in the religious upbringing of their children, which includes the right to exempt them from instruction conflicting with their religious beliefs. She further emphasized the importance of Title IX in protecting children's access to facilities corresponding to their biological sex.
This federal scrutiny follows the Michigan State Board of Education's recent approval of the Michigan Health Education Standards Guidelines in November 2025, which includes recommendations on teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation. While proponents argue that these guidelines promote inclusivity, opposition claims they may pressure districts to adopt content misaligned with community values.
State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko defended the school districts, clarifying that the DOJ's assertion of state requirements is incorrect, and asserting parents' control over sex education participation. Republican and Democratic state legislators have voiced divergent views on the DOJ's action, with GOP members like House Speaker Matt Hall supporting the review, and Democrats like State Reps. Kara Hope and Emily Dievendorf criticizing it as potentially disruptive and politically motivated.
The DOJ has requested extensive documentation from the districts, ranging from lesson plans to club materials, to assess compliance with federal law. Officials have warned that non-compliance could result in a loss of federal funding or other enforcement measures.
This investigation is in its early stages, but the Civil Rights Division has underscored its dedication to enforcing protections while ensuring that schools honor parental authority and student privacy. The DOJ's involvement was also publicized by the advocacy group Moms for Liberty, highlighting the federal government's intervention in this contentious issue.
