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Single Gender Classroom Bill
Signed by Michigan Governor
Gongwer News Service, July 19, 2006
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Single-gender schooling in Michigan is now permitted under a
bill signed Wednesday by Governor Jennifer Granholm. The most
immediate impact would be in Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids,
where officials are exploring the option of creating a separate
high school for boys and another for girls.
Ms. Granholm noted Detroit had originated the request to make
the option available, adding, "I think we ought to try it and
see how it works."
The bill, SB 1296, is not tied to SB 1305, HB 4264 and HB 6247
which make other provisions regarding single-gender classrooms,
such as making an exception in the anti-discrimination sections
of the state's Civil Rights Act, but have not yet cleared the
Legislature.
While the ACLU of Michigan and others remain concerned about
possible discrimination, Ms. Granholm said, "We're not
interested in discrimination. We want to provide equal
opportunity. For some, for some parents and for some students,
being in single gender environment would allow them to soar."
The bill signed by the governor amends the state School Code,
which previously prohibited establishment of a separate school
for persons based on sex. It has not yet been assigned a public
act number.
During Senate debate, the bill's sponsor, Sen. Buzz Thomas
(D-Detroit) said the return to single-gender classes would
maximize the opportunities for some students to succeed because
studies show that male and female brain development occurs at a
different pace.
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