Students protest District 11’s policy to prevent teachers from asking for preferred pronouns

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- With makeshift signs in hand and megaphone chants blasting most of the day, students from Colorado Springs School District 11 protested a proposed policy preventing teachers from asking students their preferred pronouns.

River Merrell, an eighth grader in District 11, was one of the more than 20 students outside the D11 administration building Monday. She said the policy takes away a sense of identity.

"I go to school with so many people who are trans and who are non-binary, and the thought of them having to go through this and having to advocate for themselves instead of people having their basic manners and asking pronouns," Merrell said. "Maybe you would just go the entire year being mis-gendered, not being yourself."

On Feb. 8, the D11 school board voted to potentially prevent teachers and staff from asking students what their preferred pronouns are. D11 Vice President Jason Jorgenson stated he believes it's not appropriate for staff to ask students what their gender, pronouns, or sexuality is regardless of age.

"If that student wants to identify with he, him pronouns, great that’s on them to do that," Jorgenson said during the board meeting. "But for us to go, ‘Today I want to know your names and your pronouns.’ We should not be doing that.”

In response to that decision, a group of more than 20 students gathered outside the D11 administration building to voice their opposition. Additionally, the students are asking director Al Loma to step down.

"I don't think we want him leading our schools and leading our children and leading our futures," Merrell said.

Loma stated he's "offended" when he hears trans people requesting their preferred pronouns.

"I’m kind of old-fashioned,” Loma said during the board meeting. “I know a boy when I see one, and I know a girl when I see one.”

Patti Merrell-Kellogg, River's mother, was also at the protest. She said she hopes people understand the importance of voting, even for school board members.

"The reason that this is happening is because we voted in people who don't belong here and who aren't supporting our kids," she said. "They have political agendas that are really hurtful to our students."

Director Julie Ott told 13 Investigates she appreciates the students voicing their concerns Monday.

In a statement, Ott said:

I appreciate that students are sharing their concerns and standing up for what they believe is important. This proposed policy change would directly impact them and could affect how safe and supported they feel at school. I think it is important that we listen to their voices.

D11 Board Director Julie Ott

Ott did note that this was her opinion and thoughts on the matter, not the boards.

A spokesperson for the district provided 13 Investigates with the following statement:

Colorado Springs School District 11 appreciates all students who choose to share their valued thoughts and opinions. Many times throughout history, student activism has provided a well-rounded discussion on generational topics. Our primary goal is to provide academic resources, so students become critical thinkers. The District honors the uniqueness of each individual and strives to prepare students for a multicultural society.

D11 spokesperson

Joseph Boyle, a former District 11 teacher, saw the protest and spoke to KRDO. He said he supports the student's voicing their concerns but agrees with the proposed policy.

"I worry that if District staff is allowed to require or compel pronoun statements from their students, especially in front of their peers, that many students will feel pressured to make statements that they may not actually agree with, or especially in the elementary grade, statements that they may not fully understand and or even statements that they may not be emotionally ready to declare in front of their classmates," Boyle said.

"Nothing in this would preclude their behavior or their right or their ability to communicate how they would like to be addressed by a teacher," Boyle continues.

But Merrell is worried about what the policy change could do to the mental health of students who don't feel comfortable self-advocating.

"Being too embarrassed or scared to tell you their pronouns is leading to worse things like on the inside — at their home life, their personal life and their school life," Merrell said.

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