by Lansing, Michigan – A recent exchange in a Michigan state education hearing has ignited nationwide debate after Michigan Chief Deputy Superintendent Dr. Sue Carnell struggled to answer a question about gender identity. The moment, which quickly went viral, has sparked a heated online backlash and political commentary.
Viral Question Sparks Controversy
During a public hearing, Republican State Representative Jay DeBoyer asked Dr. Carnell a pointed question: “How many genders are there?” Video of the interaction, shared by Libs of TikTok on X, has now accumulated more than 2.4 million views.
In the clip, Carnell appears hesitant and smiles before responding, “Different people have different beliefs on that.”
When pressed by DeBoyer, who stated, “Science says there’s two,” Carnell did not provide a definitive answer.
The brief exchange prompted a wave of criticism online. Libs of TikTok wrote, “UNREAL. Michigan State Superintendent Sue Carnell doesn’t know how many genders there are. Watch as she draws a complete blank then refuses to answer this simple question. This is the person responsible for Michigan kids’ education. Crazy as hell.”
Political commentator Wesley Yang added on X, “She is caught in the grips of an institutionalized mania.”
Political Response and Public Concerns
The controversy also drew reactions from Republican officials, including Michigan State Senator Aric Nesbitt. He noted, “3/4 Michigan kids can’t read at grade level. When you realize these are the people in charge of education in Michigan, that number starts to make a lot more sense.”
Senator Nesbitt’s comment referenced the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress results released in August, which highlighted declining reading scores among third- and fourth-graders—a trend linked to pandemic-related disruptions in early education.
Carnell Clarifies Position on Gender Guidelines
In response to the viral backlash, Dr. Carnell explained to Fox News Digital that the exchange was not meant as a “gotcha” moment. She emphasized that the updated Michigan Health Education Standards Guidelines aim to provide research-based information to local school districts.
The guidelines encourage students to understand gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation as distinct aspects of an individual’s identity. By the end of eighth grade, students are expected to:
- Define gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation
- Explain how these concepts differ from biological sex and interact with each other
A new set of state sex education standards incorporating these guidelines was recently approved by the Michigan State Board of Education in a 6-2 vote, solidifying the framework Carnell defended in the viral clip.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The exchange has intensified national discussion over how gender is addressed in school curricula and the role of science versus individual belief in education policy. Critics argue that education leaders should provide clear, factual answers, while supporters contend that guidelines are intended to foster understanding and respect for diverse identities rather than oversimplifying complex topics.
The debate continues online, as residents and parents weigh in on how schools should handle gender education in Michigan.
Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on Michigan’s gender education standards? Comment below and share your perspective on how schools should approach this topic.
