New Abortion Referral Policies Sideline Parents
Recent changes to Michigan’s School Aid Act have empowered teachers, staff, and school board members to refer students for abortions or assist in the process—without notifying parents. The repeal of section 388.1766, which previously prohibited these actions under threat of losing state funding, has sparked fierce opposition from parents and some school officials.
Under state law prior to last October 2023, districts were prohibited from a staff member, teacher or board member referring a student to an abortion or assisting in obtaining it under threat of losing state funding. With that language repealed, it remains an option for school districts to keep the prohibition.
Rochester and Grosse Pointe school boards have already moved to eliminate language punishing staff for making such referrals, and Birmingham Public Schools is set to finalize a similar policy change this month.
Parents argue that these changes, framed as updates to align with the law, represent a dangerous erosion of their authority over critical life decisions involving their children. Some trustees, like Birmingham’s Colleen Zamitt, have spoken out against the policy shift, emphasizing that schools should not interfere in such deeply personal matters. However, supporters claim that the revised policies merely reflect the state’s legal landscape, where restrictions on referrals are no longer tied to funding requirements.
Title IX Reforms Add to the Parental Rights Conflict
These abortion policy changes coincide with confusion over new Title IX regulations introduced by the Biden administration. While these reforms broaden protections for LGBTQ+ students, they have drawn sharp criticism for sidelining parents in discussions about gender identity and sexual harassment. Several states have blocked parts of the Title IX changes, creating a chaotic patchwork of rules that leaves parents uncertain about what protections apply to their children.
CRT, DEI, and Controversial Books: A Growing List of Concerns
Beyond abortion and Title IX policies, parents are increasingly vocal about the introduction of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in school curricula. Many view these frameworks as ideologically driven and out of step with their values. Additionally, disputes over inappropriate books in school libraries have heightened calls for transparency and parental involvement in determining what children are exposed to at school.
School Board Elections Now a Battleground for Parental Rights
The confluence of abortion policy changes, Title IX reforms, CRT, DEI, and controversial books has transformed school board elections into high-stakes contests. Parents are turning these local elections into battlegrounds to reclaim influence over education policy and ensure that schools respect family values. Decisions once seen as routine administrative matters now carry significant political weight, with parental rights emerging as a central campaign theme.
A Broader Fight for Transparency and Parental Control
Michigan’s new abortion referral policies have become the latest flashpoint in a larger struggle over parental rights in education. From abortion and gender identity to classroom content, parents feel increasingly sidelined by decisions made without their input. School board elections, once low-profile, are now seen as critical opportunities for parents to reassert control and demand accountability from school leaders. As these elections approach, the outcome will likely shape the future of parental involvement in Michigan’s education system.