Skip to content Skip to Content

Woodland Park school board votes to recognize only two sexes and reject gender ideology

0:00/ 0:00LIVEQuality1  AudioSubtitleSpeedNormal  

UPDATE: Thursday morning, the Woodland Park School District released a statement regarding the resolution to recognize only two sexes in its district policies and practices.

The resolution can be read in full here.

The statement issued Thursday by the district said, in part, "The resolution reinforces the district’s respect for the personal physical privacy and security of students and staff in restrooms and other facilities. It also ensures that students have the opportunity to compete in athletics fairly." It goes on to say that the "decision aligns with the recent Executive Order stating that "federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology." As a result, failure to recognize and uphold biological sex in policy and practice could threaten the district’s federal funding. By implementing this resolution, Woodland Park School District is taking proactive steps to comply with federal requirements and protect the resources that support students, teachers, and programs."

-------------------------------

WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (KRDO) - With the Trump administration now cracking down on what it calls "woke gender politics", some local leaders are now mirroring those policies.

In Woodland Park on Wednesday night, school board members voted to recognize only two genders and reject all other gender ideology moving forward.

In a 4-1 vote, officials are now to recognize only male and female genders inside of Woodland Park Schools. 

While the majority of the board voted in favor, one member strongly voiced her opposition.

"Why do we keep focusing on these nonsense issues instead of focusing on things that are actually going to help our students and our school?" Keegan Barkley said.

However, board secretary David Rusterholtz says, "This is a culture war, and the war has been against the truth for many years and I am proud to say that we need to stand for our kids. We need to tell them the truth."

Barkley went on to name other issues she feels the district should be prioritizing, "Our students are in out-buildings and they don't have.. have safety. The heat isn't adequate, they have to walk back and forth to the main building. We've had leaks in other buildings. The roofs are leaking, we've had water breaks, we've had boilers go out. Why is this what we are focusing on?!"

Rusterholtz says, "This law of gender confusion for kids and promoting it in a state and a statue level, I am willing to take a stand against it because it’s right to do."

Advocates for LGBTQ+ youths say they don't agree, "This resolution is going to create a learning environment that jeopardizes the mental and emotional safety for these young people who are already at higher risk of suicide and other negative health outcomes" Keeley Griego said.

Even some Woodland Park residents seemed to take issue with the board resolution, "It's very scary. It makes us into a very inhospitable learning and work situation...I just wish that these decisions would be based with the students learning education and health and futures in mind and not for political gain" Amy Wolin said

School board president Mick Bates took the opportunity to recite the new executive order signed by President Trump; recognizing only female and male sexes at the federal level.

As for the new rules in Woodland Park schools, they are effective immediately.

Article Topic Follows: News

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Paige Reynolds

Paige is a reporter and weekend morning anchor for KRDO NewsChannel 13. Learn more about her here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KRDO NewsChannel 13 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.