Michigan Folx:

Support LGBTQIA+ Youth!

Join Us and Act Now!

PRISM has joined a coalition of advocates, including organizations GLSEN, the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, and Stand with Trans to show support for policies and professional development that make our schools a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students. In response to recent attacks on LGBTQIA+ youth in Michigan, we are demanding that schools are inclusive spaces where all students' identities are affirmed.

What's Happening in Michigan?

Recently, organized groups that represent a vocal minority in Michigan have been making calculated and vigorous attacks on LGBTQIA+ students in MI schools. Specifically, they have made false and deliberately divisive claims about the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and its efforts to support LGBTQ+ young people, their families, and school staff and administration. The state Senate has recently passed a resolution condemning MDE's online professional development workshops, which are aimed at building the capacity of schools to provide a safe, supportive and inclusive culture and climate where all students can thrive.

Another alarming example of discrimination towards the LGBTQ+ community is the recent effort to ban certain books from our school libraries. In fact, Michigan is one of the top states in the U.S. with most book bans in schools. It is important to note the precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court on this topic. In 1982, the Court determined that removing books from a school because certain people simply disliked the ideas contained in those books violated the First Amendment rights of students.

Let’s be clear: all of MDE’s efforts to support students have been informed by parents and are in accordance with the law and best practice. Students desperately need these supports. In Michigan, LGBTQ+ students are far more likely than their non-LGBTQ+ peers to be bullied and victimized in schools, be made homeless, and be pushed to attempt suicide.

Michigan schools need inclusive policies and trained school staff to create inclusive school environments and improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ students.