DOJ Investigating 3 Michigan School Districts Over Sexual Orientation and Gender Ideology Instruction

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a new investigation into three Michigan school districts over curriculum content related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a new investigation into three Michigan school districts - Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and Lansing School District - to determine if they have added "sexual orientation and gender ideology" content in any of their classes without giving parents the option to opt their kids out. The DOJ says this may violate Title IX, while the Michigan Department of Education says the districts are following state law and supporting student health and inclusion.

Why it matters

This investigation highlights the ongoing debate over how schools should approach topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity in their curriculum and policies. Supporters argue these topics are important for supporting LGBTQ+ students, while critics contend parents should have more control over what their children are taught on these sensitive subjects.

The details

The DOJ sent letters to the three districts, stating they will investigate whether the districts violated Title IX by embedding "sexuality and gender ideology" in their instruction without allowing parents to opt their children out. The Michigan Department of Education says the districts are following state law, which gives local school boards control over health curriculum with parental input and opt-out rights.

  • On Wednesday, the DOJ announced the new investigation.

The players

Harmeet Dhillon

Assistant Attorney General who sent the letters to the school districts on behalf of the DOJ.

Jay Kaplan

Staff attorney with the ACLU Michigan LGBTQ+ Project, who said the investigation relates to the ability of school districts to provide safe and supportive learning environments for all students.

Arnetta Thompson

Superintendent of Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, who said the district is "fully cooperating" with the DOJ inquiry.

Glenn Maleyko

Michigan Department of Education State Superintendent, who said the department supports all students and the targeted school districts, and that the updated health education guidelines help districts support student health.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This Department of Justice is fiercely committed to ending the growing trend of local school authorities embedding sexuality and gender ideology in every aspect of public education.”

— Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General (CBS News Detroit)

“This is definitely an issue that relates to the ability of school districts in Michigan to provide safe and supportive learning environments for all students.”

— Jay Kaplan, Staff attorney, ACLU Michigan LGBTQ+ Project (CBS News Detroit)

“At this time, this is a standard review process. The District is not facing any charges or findings of wrongdoing. We remain committed to complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and have consistently operated in accordance with those laws.”

— Arnetta Thompson, Superintendent, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools (CBS News Detroit)

“If we want to put Students First and make sure children can learn, we need all students to be healthy and safe and feel included. The much-needed updates to health education guidelines—which the Department of Justice falsely said are state requirements—help local districts make decisions on how they can support student health.”

— Glenn Maleyko, Michigan Department of Education State Superintendent (CBS News Detroit)

What’s next

The DOJ investigation is ongoing, and the school districts are expected to continue cooperating with the federal inquiry.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing debate over how schools should approach topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity, with supporters arguing these topics are important for supporting LGBTQ+ students and critics contending parents should have more control. The outcome could impact curriculum and policies in school districts across Michigan.