Minnesota’s draft of new academic health standards involves ‘gender identity’ for third graders

Minnesota’s Department of Education has released a controversial second draft of its proposed K-12 health standards – prompting concerns over its emphasis on gender identity, expression and drug use.

The state is adding health to its list of required academic standards, which already includes subjects such as math, science and social studies.

These standards are reviewed and updated every 10 years. A review committee appointed by the education commissioner comprising teachers, parents, administrators, school board members and students helps write the standards.

If the new standards are approved, 8- and 9-year-olds would be expected to “define gender identity and expression,” “describe internal and external reproductive body parts using medically accurate terms in a gender-neutral way” and “explain the difference between sex assigned at birth and gender identity and expression,” Alpha News reports.

Third graders would also have to “describe consent and its importance in all relationships.” 

The topics reappear at higher grade levels, too. 

For instance, fifth graders would be asked to “describe the differences between sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression” and “define sexual orientation including sense of identity, attractions and related behaviors.” 

The proposed framework also includes instruction about substance use from kindergarten on. 

The proposed rules would have kindergartners “identify family rules about avoiding nicotine use,” while first graders would “describe the benefits of not using tobacco and nicotine products.”  

Second graders would “describe the environmental impacts of nicotine product waste,” and fifth graders would “state personal beliefs about the risks related to alcohol and other substance use.” 

The survey has received strong criticism on social media. 

One X user wrote, “These are very sick people and should be nowhere near children.” 

Another user posted, “Why do they want to sexualize our children before they even have a chance to be a kid. Let them be kids. These people are deranged and evil.” 

A woman added, “Get your kids out of the government schools.” 

Also, a user posted, “Confuse and divide. Targeting the children. Disgusting. Grooming behavior.” 

The department is taking public feedback on the proposal through a survey on its website. Residents have until July 18 to submit the form. 

A third draft will be released later this year based on feedback. Final rules will go through a formal public comment and rule-making process in 2026 before taking effect.