Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, is facing backlash after a gym policy reportedly required girls to submit a parental note stating the length of their menstrual cycle to make up missed swim classes. Parents say the rule pressures students to disclose private medical details and that failure to comply can trigger grade reductions under a "grade reduction scale." The district has scheduled a meeting with parents, and legal experts have raised potential Title IX and privacy concerns.
Michigan High School Criticized After Girls Asked To Disclose Menstrual Cycle Length Or Face Grade Penalties
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Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, is under scrutiny after parents raised concerns that a physical education syllabus asked female students to submit a parental note stating the length of their menstrual cycle in order to make up missed swim classes. Parents and advocates say the requirement pressures students to disclose private medical information and could lead to academic penalties if they do not comply.
Reporting from The Guardian and local outlets indicates the guidance asked for a "written/email note from a parent" specifying the duration of a student’s monthly cycle so the school could schedule opportunities to "make up the days" missed during swimming lessons. The policy reportedly allows girls to complete "dry land workouts" in place of swimming if a parental note confirming cycle length is provided. The district also uses a "grade reduction scale" that may mark unmade absences as "non-participation days," potentially lowering a student’s grade.
"The teacher wants us to either send a note or an email with the suspected length of the cycle, which, by itself, is ridiculous," said Andy Amsdill, father of a Lakeview student, in an interview with WXYZ Detroit.
Some parents say the policy has had real academic consequences. Bryan Shishakly told CBS News his daughter, previously a straight-A student, received a C in gym after the absence and the related grading policy were applied. Parents have questioned whether students have any obligation to disclose such private health information to school staff.
School Response
Karl D. Paulson, superintendent of Lakeview Public Schools, issued a statement saying the district is "committed to partnering with parents to address any issue" and has scheduled a meeting to discuss concerns. Paulson added that the district is "fully committed to educational excellence and best practices in all it does." It remains unclear when the policy was implemented or whether similar guidance applies to other classes.
Legal And Privacy Concerns
Civil rights attorneys and parents have suggested the rule could raise legal issues, including potential violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs. Civil rights attorney Jon Marko told reporters, "It's creepy. I'd be creeped out. I'm not going to tell the Phys Ed teacher my daughter's menstrual cycle." Legal experts say whether the policy violates federal law would depend on specifics of implementation and whether the district provides reasonable, non-discriminatory alternatives.
As the district prepares to meet with families, questions remain about whether Lakeview will withdraw or revise the policy. Parents and advocates say any school approach should protect students' privacy and ensure equitable treatment across genders while allowing legitimate medical exemptions without forcing detailed disclosures.
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