Michigan school distrcict responds after parent concerns of what they say is inapropriate survey

Some parents say they were not given the option to opt out

OXFORD, Mich. – Parents in the Oxford Community Schools district contacted me with concerns about what they describe as an inappropriate survey distributed to students as young as 11 years old.

The school district is now responding.

According to parents, the survey was designed to gather information about bullying in the district. One parent said the survey was administered two weeks ago and again on Monday.

The survey asked students to provide information on their ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, whether they had been bullied in the past year, and whether they had bullied someone in the past year.

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The Oxford Community Schools released the following statement:

“Oxford Community Schools is committed to making every student feel safe, respected, and supported. We have heard from several members of our community who shared some concerns about two questions included in a recent student survey on bullying. We appreciate hearing from families and the community and value the opportunity to respond.

The survey was part of our ongoing efforts to better understand student experiences and improve school climate. The survey was optional and anonymous for all students. Parents were informed in advance, had the opportunity to review the questions, and could choose whether their child participated. Students who took the survey could also make the decision to skip any question they didn’t feel comfortable answering.

Including optional questions about sexual orientation and gender identity on a middle and high school bullying survey is a research-supported practice used to help schools identify patterns of bullying and provide appropriate support to students who may be more vulnerable to bullying. The insight we gain from these responses helps us understand where additional care may be needed, supports our responsibilities under Michigan law, and strengthens our efforts to create inclusive learning environments for all students.”

Parents said that during the first round of the survey, they were given the option to opt their children out. However, they claim the gender identity and sexual orientation questions were not included in the parent preview. This time, parents allege they were not given the opportunity to opt out at all and that students were forced to take the survey.

One mother, who asked not to be identified due to fear of retaliation, told me, “I don’t think it is appropriate for adults to be asking children their sexual orientation. These children are as young as 11 years old. Their sexuality is not the concern of the school district. We are also supposed to have the right to opt out, and the kids were told they had to take it or go to the office. If I showed up to a discussion forum and asked these same questions aloud to the school board, administrators, or teachers, they would be appalled.”

President Donald Trump has directed public schools to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and teachings related to gender identity, threatening to withhold federal funding from schools that do not comply. Under Executive Order 14190, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K–12 Schooling," the administration prohibits the promotion of "gender ideology" and critical race theory, calling them "anti-American" and "subversive." The order also mandates legal action against educators who support transgender students’ social transitions, such as using preferred names or pronouns. Schools are required to certify compliance with federal civil rights laws as interpreted by the administration, or risk losing federal funds, including Title I funding designated for low-income schools.