In the context of political action, non-partisan means not supporting or controlled by a political party, special interest group, or the like[6]. Nonpartisan organizations in the United States are organized under United States Internal Revenue Code (501(c)) that qualifies certain non-profit organizations for tax-exempt status because they refrain from engaging in certain political activities prohibited for them[3]. The designation "nonpartisan" usually reflects a claim made by organizations about themselves, or by commentators, and not an official category per American law[3]. In non-partisan elections, political parties are irrelevant to providing services, and cooperation between elected officials belonging to different parties is more likely[4]. Non-partisanship looks like a receptivity to insight from many sources and a willingness to engage with people whose views differ significantly from yours[2]. Citations: [1] https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-02/Elected_and_NonPartisan_Positions.pdf [2] https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2020-07/what-does-nonpartisan-mean-2020 [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonpartisanism_in_the_United_States [4] https://www.nlc.org/partisan-vs-nonpartisan-elections/ [5] https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/news-clips/opinion-what-does-non-partisan-mean [6] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonpartisan

To be non-partisan with respect to school board members means that they do not identify with or are not controlled by any political party or special interest group[6]. Non-partisan school board members are not affiliated with any political party and do not engage in partisan politics[1]. They are not influenced by political agendas and are not expected to support any particular political party or ideology[2]. In non-partisan school board elections, candidates do not run under a political party and their party affiliation is not identified on the ballot[3]. This is done to ensure that school board members are elected based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to education, rather than their political affiliation[5]. The non-partisan status of school boards is important in preserving the integrity of the education system and ensuring that the needs of students are put first[1]. Citations: [1] https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/school-board-notes/january-10-2023-vol-xl-no-21/purnell-perspectives-the-importance-of-nonpartisan-boards-of-education/ [2] https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/reflections/reflections-preserving-the-non-partisan-status-of-school-boards/ [3] https://my.aasa.org/AASA/Resources/SAMag/2018/Jun18/Board-Savvy.aspx [4] https://www.the74million.org/article/are-partisan-school-board-races-good-or-bad-legislation-heads-to-full-fl-senate-for-consideration/ [5] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story [6] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonpartisan

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, a candidate for school board position in Michigan cannot accept money from political parties if they are nominated by the political party and placed on the general election ballot[1]. However, if the candidate is not nominated by the political party and is running without political party affiliation, they are not subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[2]. Therefore, a non-partisan school board candidate in Michigan can accept money from political parties only if they are not nominated by the political party and are running without political party affiliation. It is important to note that most states, including Michigan, do not allow party labels in school board races[3]. Citations: [1] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/01mcalpine/III_Candidate_Filings_and_Financial_Disclosure_Req.pdf?rev=222b6caf862543a7aa1a74a10fcd1810 [2] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/11diljak/Web_SCHOOL_Brd_CAN.pdf?rev=5be9009ea25443bd99a8cf31c49e4701 [3] https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/more-states-consider-partisan-school-board-races-as-education-debates-intensify/2023/04 [4] https://www.mackinac.org/9096 [5] https://my.aasa.org/AASA/Resources/SAMag/2018/Jun18/Board-Savvy.aspx [6] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story

A candidate who seeks a school board position in a school district with a pupil enrollment count of 2,401 or more is subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[1]. A nominating petition cannot be filed. Candidates nominated by the political party are placed on the general election ballot. Candidates without political party affiliation are not subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[2]. Individuals can make donations/contributions to state and local Candidate Committees, Political and Independent Committees (PACS), Super PACS, etc. There are limits on the amount of money that can be donated to a candidate in Michigan elections. The committee is the best source to find out how much can be contributed to their campaign[3]. The Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA) provides rules for individuals who want to participate in Michigan elections. Contributions may be made with cash up to $20.00, a check, money order, or credit card. The committee is required to collect information from the donor, including their name and address[3]. School board elections in Michigan do not identify candidates by their party affiliation. Therefore, non-partisan school board candidates are not allowed to accept money from political parties if they are nominated by the political party and placed on the general election ballot[4][6]. It is important for non-partisan school board candidates in Michigan to be aware of the campaign finance rules and regulations to avoid running afoul of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Citations: [1] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/11diljak/Web_SCHOOL_Brd_CAN.pdf?rev=5be9009ea25443bd99a8cf31c49e4701 [2] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/01mcalpine/III_Candidate_Filings_and_Financial_Disclosure_Req.pdf?rev=222b6caf862543a7aa1a74a10fcd1810 [3] https://mertsplus.com/mertsuserguide/index.php?n=MANUALS.AppendixQ [4] https://www.mackinac.org/9096 [5] http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-388-of-1976.pdf [6] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story

Michigan passed MCL laws 380.1507 which allows for schools to teach sex education, mandates a Sex Ed Advisory Board, and mandates among other things parental Opt Out. Any school that chooses to teach sex education including "including family planning, human sexuality, and the emotional, physical, psychological, hygienic, economic, and social aspects of family life. Instruction may also include the subjects of reproductive health and the recognition, prevention, and treatment of sexually transmitted disease." must establish a SEAB which provides among other things the right for parents to 'Opt Out'. We are investigating to see how many of Michigan schools are in violation of this law. See more information here.

We have a strong partnership with the Thomas Moore Society out of Chicago. The attorneys are involved throughout this process. They have been involved in the document creation. They are monitoring the feedback and the responses from the parents and school. As we move through the administrative complaint process the attorneys will be selecting specific cases that will have the greatest state-wide impact.

Yes and No... If you would like to engage in the broader community conversation, including local district discussions, legal learning, and events then you will need to create an account on the GSI website. If you do not want to participate in the community but simply want the Opt-Out Form and relevant news then you do not need a separate account.

This provides us with your information so that we can keep you up to date on the latest legal issues, issues that we are learning that may come from or impact your school district, as well as inform you on the next steps.

Through our experience in litigating against public entities, like schools, we have learned that much of the battle is over definitions. The examples are there to make is abundantly clear what parent's are opting out of. Without the examples any administrative and courtroom decisions can be greatly delayed or thwarted.

Some schools are illegally refusing to accept the Opt-Out Form. Do not worry, we have a process to deal with this. Fill out the GSI Submission Survey and describe their rejection. This initiative our resolution process. https://www.greatschoolsinitiative.org/submission

No, The Great Schools Initiative is a non-partisan organization focused on ensuring safety, privacy, and parental rights in public schools. According to Michigan law sexuality, gender, and reproductive education must adhere to certain legal constraints. This includes heterosexual and LGBTQ education. These laws are designed to protect the safety, privacy, and parental rights regardless of sexual preference or gender.

While it is true that many schools have an Opt-Out Form, these forms are designed to only provide for an opt-out of the official sex-education class. However, in large number of schools across the state, sex-education is NOT being restricted to the official sex-education class. Rather, sex-education as defined by Michigan law is occurring in many other classes, locations, with uncertified instructors, outside of approved curriculum, and absent a parent's right to opt-out. This means that most school's opt-out forms are not adequate. Recognizing this reality, GSI created an Opt-Out Form that is in compliance with state law and accounts for the 'Rogue Sex-Education" occurring outside of the legal requirements.

The process is laid out in the law. There are three administrative phases that need to be pursued: District Level Complaint Intermediate District Level Complaint State Department of Education See our article describing the process : Violation Process

There is a process that we must follow that includes submitting complaints through the proper channels in your school, the county ED board, and the state. We are working on templates that you will be able to use as violations occur. We are also developing additional online resources that will assist in the complaint process. 1. Keep good records, time, date, specific violations. If at all possible get hard evidence, documents, handouts, email correspondence... 2. Follow the SEAB Violation process. We will link here 3. Let your District Ambassador know what has happened. 4. Fill out a Violation Form here