In March of 2021 many Grand Haven Area Public School children ages 5-9 were encouraged to read the electronic book provided to them by their teachers, Call Me Max by Kyle Lukoff which features a transgender main character. You may be interested in knowing how the district has internally resolved this issue. These two emails give interesting insight into the district’s plans. According to this summary email from the Director of Instructional Services, Mary Jane Evink, shown in the image below, GHAPS will continue to expose our children to controversial topics but will send persuasive documentation to parents when doing so, and GHAPS will work to push anti-racism views onto the entire community by working alongside the Momentum Center.
The first bullet point states, “Books/resources on sensitive topics will not be shared broadly without review by curriculum director and other staff holding a variety of perspectives.” This does not address individual teachers and librarians who wish to further this agenda. Will they now send controversial books out to smaller groups of students? Instead of pushing a book on young 5s – 4th grade they could read a different transgender picture book to each class. That would enable them to expose children to these topics without drawing excessive unwanted attention. They are already offering persuasive books on controversial topics through the libraries.
Bullet points two and three suggest when books presenting controversial viewpoints are presented to students, they will be accompanied by literature from professional organizations that present more persuasive arguments to parents as to why these materials are being used. It does not suggest the district will attempt to share opposing viewpoints as is required by policy 2240 Controversial Issues.
The last two bullet points indicate that GHAPS is focused on changing both the views of the students and the community. They will do this under the guise of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and through their work with the Momentum Center’s Anti-Racism Task Force. Nothing is going to change. They are doubling down.
The next short email removes any doubt that this is the goal of the district. Mary Jane Evink states “it is my hope that we can actively coach our staff and families on how to talk about gender and race.”
This email sends one message. Mary Jane Evink is smarter than parents and is superior. She knows the CORRECT way to talk about gender and race. After all, she is hoping to COACH families and staff.
Neither Mary Jane Evink nor the district have any intention of acting on parent concerns. Her words to parents do not match her behind the scenes actions. She is violating both board policy 2240 Controversial Issues and Michigan School Code 380.10 which states:
It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil's intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment.
Mary Jane Evink is determined to change the way Grand Haven thinks! She is working to manipulate the entire community. When will she be held accountable for her policy violations and the damage she is doing to our children?