A Michigan high school is under scrutiny after parents raised concerns about a gym class policy that requires female students to share information about their menstrual cycles in order to make up swimming days missed due to their periods. The policy, found in the Lakeview High School gym syllabus, states that female students who miss swimming class because of their menstrual cycle must have a parent submit a written note or email specifying the length of their cycle before they can make up the missed days. The syllabus explains that students will perform alternative workouts to make up the time and that unmade-up days will count against their grades. Andy Amsdill, a parent whose daughter attends the school, expressed surprise and concern when he saw the policy in the syllabus. He told WXYZ Detroit that the requirement for parents to provide an estimate of the menstrual cycle length was unnecessary and inappropriate. Menstrual cycles can be unpredictable, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health estimates that 14% to 25% of women experience menstrual irregularities, a situation that is even more common among young girls. Other parents also voiced concerns after Amsdill brought attention to the policy. Bryan Shishakly, another parent, shared that his daughter, a sophomore at Lakeview, faced the same requirement during her freshman year and that it impacted her grade. His daughter, an otherwise high-achieving student, received a C in gym class and questioned the fairness of the policy, which only applies to female students. Lakeview Public Schools superintendent Karl D. Paulson responded by stating that the district became aware of the parent’s concern and is committed to addressing it. He said the school plans to meet with the parent to discuss the issue and reaffirmed the district’s dedication to educational excellence. It is unclear whether the policy is used in other gym classes or if it will be revised following the criticism. The situation has also sparked questions about whether the policy might violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools that receive federal funding. While Lakeview’s website addresses Title IX, it focuses on issues like sexual harassment rather than policies related to menstrual health.