Overview
- DOJ’s Civil Rights Division opened investigations into Detroit, Godfrey-Lee, and Lansing schools to determine whether any pre-K–12 classes include sexual orientation or gender identity content without offering parental opt-outs.
- The letters also seek information on whether access to bathrooms and locker rooms is restricted based on biological sex, with officials noting the inquiries are ongoing and no conclusions have been reached.
- Districts were given until April 6 to turn over wide-ranging materials referencing specified terms such as “gender spectrum,” “LGBTQIA+,” “Pride Month,” and “drag queen,” alongside policies, complaints, and notices to parents.
- The department cites Title IX and the Supreme Court’s 2025 Mahmoud v. Taylor decision as the basis for the review, warning districts that noncompliance could jeopardize federal funds; Detroit’s funding exceeds $200 million when including nutrition and Medicaid.
- Godfrey-Lee’s superintendent says the district is fully cooperating and faces no charges, while Michigan’s state superintendent backs the districts and says DOJ misstated state health guidelines that remain advisory under local control and preserve opt-out rights.