Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, a Senator from Michigan, has expressed that the state's education system should focus on fundamental subjects rather than diversity and gender-focused curricula. This statement was made on the social media platform X.

"Kids in Michigan continue to fall behind," said Aric Young Nesbitt, State Senator for Michigan. "We need to get away from DEI, gender theory, and woke curriculums. Let's get back to reading, writing and arithmetic."

Recent debates over Michigan's K-12 education policy have focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and curriculum changes. Lawmakers and educators are reportedly divided over how to balance maintaining academic standards with incorporating social-emotional learning, as reported by Bridge Michigan.

According to a 2024 report from the Michigan Department of Education, only 44% of third graders in the state achieved reading proficiency. Overall academic achievement remains below pre-pandemic levels.

A 2023 analysis by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found that Michigan schools prioritizing core academics show higher proficiency rates than those focusing mainly on DEI-related curricula. However, multiple factors also influence these outcomes.

Nesbitt is a Republican serving as the Michigan Senate Minority Leader. He is known for supporting traditional academic standards and opposing expanded DEI mandates in education, according to Ballotpedia.