A federal lawsuit has been lodged against Jefferson County Public Schools by a group of Colorado parents, asserting that the district's room assignment policy during school trips, which is based on students' self-identified gender, infringes upon their constitutional rights. The case has escalated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, raising significant questions about parental consent and student privacy.
During a 2023 school-sponsored trip to Washington, D.C., an 11-year-old girl was reportedly placed in a room, and initially a bed, with a male student, without her parents being informed. The school staff is accused of instructing the girl to keep the student's biological sex confidential, as per his parents' request. Another incident cited involves a boy who was assigned a biologically female student to monitor his showers, once again allegedly without parental notification.
The legal team from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), representing the parents, has articulated that these practices contravene the rights parents possess over guiding their children's upbringing and ensuring their safety. ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson emphasized the importance of respecting bodily privacy and religious beliefs as part of these parental rights.
On the other side, Jefferson County Public Schools maintains that overnight accommodations are determined by the students' gender identity. They inform parents that boys and girls will be separated by floors, but do not clarify that these designations are based on gender identity, not biological sex.
This legal confrontation occurs amidst a national focus on parental rights in education. The U.S. Department of Education has reaffirmed the right of parents to access all educational records, which includes information on gender identity, in light of investigations into school district practices in states like California and Maine.
The lawsuit further points to instances of what plaintiffs perceive as ideological imposition within Jefferson County Public Schools. The district has been noted for mandating pro-LGBT training for its staff, reprimanding a teacher for discussing detransitioners, and partnering with a service provider that hosted a drag story event.
The case before the 10th Circuit is being closely watched, as its outcome could impact disclosure standards and parental involvement in educational settings across the country. The plaintiffs argue for transparency and the precedence of parental authority in decisions affecting children's care and protection on school trips.
