Pronoun ‘mini-lesson’ to be taught at DeWitt elementary school
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — DeWitt Public Schools has emailed parents of children at Schavey Road Elementary school (K-1st grade) detailing a lesson that will focus on pronouns – to embrace differences and promote acceptance. This is being offered to children in one first-grade class.
It is a decision that is not going over well with at least one Clinton County Republican Party Facebook group.
The lesson, according to the district’s email, will include:
Reading the book called “They She He Me Free to Be“
Practice using the pronouns “they/them”
Learning that it’s ‘not ok’ to change someone’s pronouns on purpose and to always try to use the pronouns that people want to be called.
The district said it will be teaching this lesson “in the next few weeks” and will be led by the student’s teacher and school social worker.
Schavey Road Elementary in DeWitt, Mich. (WLNS) Schavey Road Elementary in DeWitt, Mich. (WLNS)
The initial email and a later Facebook post by the district said the lesson is optional and parents can opt out of having their children taught this material.
Dear DeWitt Public Schools families,
At DeWitt Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and school community is our top priority. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, or threats of any kind, whether on school property or on social media. This is consistent with our mission to provide a safe, welcoming environment where all learners can succeed.
I wanted to take the opportunity to update you regarding an optional mini-lesson we offered to students in one of our elementary school classrooms. The purpose is to promote greater understanding, compassion, and kindness regarding gender identity and the use of pronouns. The mini-lesson is not designed to challenge, persuade, or alter family beliefs. Instead, it aims to promote a safe and respectful learning environment where all our students feel valued.
Again, this is an optional session and 100% voluntary and is only being offered to students in one first grade classroom in response to concerns brought to our attention, not as part of our general curriculum. Families of elementary students offered the opportunity to participate in the lesson have received letters with specific information about the lesson and its purpose, as well as the option to opt their student out of the lesson.
At DeWitt Public Schools, we remain focused on providing a world-class education for our students that prepares them for success in a safe, welcoming environment.
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