Latest news with #HB24-1039
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
D11 School Board votes for parental consent in name change policy
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) Board of Education has voted to integrate a new name-change policy that would require parental consent. The new ACA policy directs the superintendent to develop a process for a student to request the use of a chosen name to reflect their gender identity. Therefore, students and parents/guardians must request a change to their legal name or gender on their official student record, and it would only be recognized after parents were notified. The new policy has sparked conversations about discrimination and even 'sidestepping' a state law. According to board member Julie Ott, the school board had received many emails about the subject, which the board hadn't 'in a long time on one subject.' Earlier in February, the Colorado Springs Education Association opposed the policy, stating it went against HB24-1039, an act that requires schools to address students by their chosen name. The act states that it is discriminatory to knowingly use another name other than the student's chosen name, and refusal to address the student by that name allows the student to file a report with the school or a federal civil rights complaint. The policy now states the district will work with students and families to stay consistent with privacy laws. 'The District will work with students and their families to keep personally identifiable information related to gender identity confidential in accordance with state and federal privacy laws,' the policy stated. Previously, the D11 School Board had said the policy was about being transparent and unbiased with parents. 'When it comes to this vote, I would be voting yes because I cannot in good conscience separate kids from their parents,' said board member Sandra Bankes. 'What we do is hopefully do the best that we can possibly do and be open to having conversations and if we all hold together to the belief that we want to raise self-assured confident kids into adults, then that's our goal.' The Board had to make a decision by Wednesday, March 5. The policy was adopted in a 5-1 vote. 'In this culture and in this political climate, we should be allies to our transgender children and those who are also non-binary,' said Julie Ott. 'That is if we want our students to be in welcoming and inclusive schools and that has always been one of my goals and why I'm here. This policy does not promote welcoming, inclusive, safe, or affirming schools.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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.
