CSEA: D11's name change policy would 'sidestep' state law if passed
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Education Association (CSEA) claims that a new name change policy introduced by Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) would 'sidestep state law' if passed.
The School Board introduced a new ACA policy that outlines the process where a student may change the name they are referred to at school to align with their gender identity. Under the policy, schools could only acknowledge students' requests to be called a name on their preferred gender after parents are notified.
According to the CSEA, the policy goes against HB24-1039, an act that requires schools to address students by their chosen name.
'School should be a place where students receive the support they need to thrive,' said Kevin Coughlin, President of CSEA. 'This isn't about ideology. We need to support our students, not instill fear in them. Every D11 student deserves to feel safe and respected in their learning environment. The law supports our students' well-being.'
The act states that it is discriminatory to knowingly use another name other than the student's chosen name. The refusal to address a student by their chosen name allows a student to file a report with the school or a federal civil rights complaint.
The D11 School Board said the policy is about being transparent and unbiased with parents.
'The safety and security of our students is paramount for the Board of Education. We value parents and guardians as the constant and primary influence in a child's life. As we say in our foundational policy (AKB), the Board recognizes that parents are responsible for determining the upbringing, education, care, and moral development of their child. We have committed to parents that we will provide transparent, complete, and unbiased information about their child and our schools and that we will involve parents in decisions regarding the overall well-being and healthcare of their children. As we consider the policy regarding nonlegal name change requests to be used at school, we believe parental consent is part of our ongoing commitment to engage parents as partners in the education of their children. The Board firmly believes that parents should always be part of the conversation when it comes to their children.'
Parth Melpakam, President of the Colorado Springs Board of Education
CSEA said D11's proposal comes after recent controversial decisions.
'The Board is more interested in playing politics than focusing on real solutions that will improve student success,' Coughlin said. 'Our students, families, community, and educators deserve better. Our district needs leaders who prioritize our schools and stakeholders over political agendas. We have pressing issues that must be addressed, from supporting educators to ensuring every student has the resources they need to thrive. If we truly want D11 to be the best in Colorado, we must refocus on what matters most—our students' future.'
The board must make a decision on the policy on Wednesday, March 5 at the next School Board meeting.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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