The Michigan Department of Education has added two "listen and learn sessions" about proposed social studies guidelines amid growing outcry over the changes.
The proposal features controversial changes by conservative state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, R-Canton Twp. Some of Colbeck's suggestions include decreasing references to the Ku Klux Klan, LGBTQ rights, Roe v. Wade, and climate change. The proposed plan would also downplay the impact of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and remove the word "democratic" from any reference to "core democratic values."
Colbeck has said he hopes that these changes ultimately “remove partisanship from the classroom” and move students towards a more "politically neutral" dialogue that offers a balanced view of historical issues.
In a news release, the MDE didn't address the growing controversy around Colbeck specifically, and onle said the additional listening sessions have been added in order to receive more public input.
The remaining sessions are June 19 in Saginaw, June 20 in Oakland, June 26 in Sault St. Marie, June 27 in Lansing, and June 28 in Grand Rapids. You can find more information on the listening sessions here.
