DeWitt Public Schools teaches first-graders they/them pronouns

(The Center Square) – A Michigan elementary school notified parents it wants to teach their first-grade children about pronouns.

The letter written from Schavey Road Elementary School by Principal Liz Crouch and DeWitt Public Schools Superintendent Shanna Pickard informed parents and guardians of a lesson about pronouns.

“The lesson goals are to help students share and explore pronouns through classroom discussion and literature to embrace differences and promote acceptance,” the letter said.

The letter said the students will:

“Listen to the book, ‘They She He Me Free to Be!’ and participate in the discussion.Practice using the pronouns ‘they/them’ and what to do if we make a mistake with pronouns.Learn 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 the “optional” session is only being offered to students in one first-grade classroom and didn’t intend to “challenge, persuade, or alter family beliefs.”

“At DeWitt Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students and school community is our top priority,” the district said in a statement. “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.”

The district said the lesson was brought “in response to concerns brought to our attention, not as part of our general curriculum.”

“The purpose is to promote greater understanding, compassion, and kindness regarding gender identity and the use of pronouns,” the statement said. “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.”

Tori Sachs, a mother and political strategist, posted the letter on social media.

“Call me old fashioned but I think First Graders should learn how to spell They/Them and use it in a sentence to describe multiple people,” Sachs wrote. “They don’t need to be indoctrinated into woke-ism in public elementary school.”

The district said that parents can 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,” the district statement said.