Parental Rights in Michigan

Protected

Michigan law explicitly protects parent's rights as fundamental rights.

Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 380.10

It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil's intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment.

Mich. Comp. Laws. Ann. § 380.1507 requires parental notification and allows parental opt-out for sex education.

SB 420 was introduced by Sen. Phillip Pavlov in May of 2017, passed the legislature on February 21, 2018, and was signed by Governor Rick Snyder on March 15, 2018. Two provisions in the new law will help parents who come into contact with “the system.” Read about this Michigan win for families.

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Protected

In re A.P., 770 N.W.2d 403, 412 (Mich. Ct. App. 2009):



"[D]ue process precludes a government from interfering with parents' fundamental liberty interest in making decisions regarding the care, custody, and control of their children absent a compelling state interest," citing Troxel, 530 U.S. at 65-66