DISAPPOINTMENT IN DISTRICT 11 BOARD'S VOTE ON POLICY ACA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 5, 2025

DISAPPOINTMENT IN DISTRICT 11 BOARD'S VOTE ON POLICY ACA

Tonight, I am deeply disappointed in all members of the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education—excluding Director Julie Ott—who voted to implement Policy ACA. This decision disregards the voices of students, staff, and the community, despite the Board's previous claims of valuing public input.

Over the past month, the Board conducted listening sessions, where community members passionately shared their concerns regarding Policy ACA. The Board repeatedly expressed a commitment to hearing these voices. However, tonight’s vote exposed that promise as a mere façade. Director Ott highlighted that Board members received emails from approximately 50 individuals expressing concern about the policy—an overwhelming response that should have carried significant weight. Yet, rather than honoring this community feedback, the Board chose to prioritize personal agendas over the well-being of our students.

Director Ott proposed an amendment to change the policy from requiring parental consent to parental notification—an ask that would have provided students with necessary protections while still informing parents. The Board rejected this request. Let’s be clear: under state law, a parent can say no to a name change, but schools are still legally required to respect a student’s chosen name. If a school refuses, they risk breaking state law. The Board’s decision tonight only increases confusion and potential harm for vulnerable students.

The dangers of outing LGBTQ+ students are well-documented. Here are the facts:

• Outing LGBTQ+ students can lead to homelessness – According to studies, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, often due to family rejection.

• Schools that forcibly out students put them at risk – Research shows that one in three LGBTQ+ youth report experiencing parental rejection, which can result in unsafe home environments.

• LGBTQ+ youth face higher suicide risks – The Trevor Project reports that at least 40% of LGBTQ+ youth who seriously consider suicide cite lack of acceptance at home as a primary factor.

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real students—our students—in District 11.

Director Haffley acknowledged community concerns by suggesting that before a parent is notified, the student should be informed and given the opportunity to express potential risks or request the name change be withdrawn. This reasonable and compassionate request was denied. Instead, Director Melpakam suggested that this safeguard be included as a regulation in the superintendent’s handbook, rather than in the official policy. Let’s be clear: regulations are not enforceable policies. I have seen firsthand how those in positions of authority manipulate regulations to serve their own agendas, leaving students without the protection they desperately need. I know this because I have lived it—I have been the student who had something personal disclosed before I had the chance to process it myself.

Tonight, the District 11 Board demonstrated that they were not listening to their community. Instead, they prioritized their own interests and personal beliefs over the well-being of students, staff, and families. This failure to lead with integrity and compassion will have lasting consequences.

The fight for student safety and dignity is not over. I remain committed to ensuring that every student in District 11 feels valued, respected, and protected.

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For Media Inquires Please Contact:

Joseph Shelton

719-290-0440

Joseph@SheltonforD11.com