On Thursday, August 20, at 4 p.m., supporters rallied outside the Jeffco Education Center to support the school board in supporting trans students. These supporters included Engage Jeffco Schools, a volunteer group that is composed of caregivers and parents who want to partner with the district in Jefferson to support all children having equal access to high-quality public education.
Caitlin Fitzpatrick, co-founder of Engage Jeffco, says in a press release, “Public schools should never be used as political leverage.” She continues, “Jeffco’s students shouldn’t be forced to pay the price for a national political fight, and our most vulnerable students should never be made into political targets. We wholeheartedly support the Board of Education in protecting every student, defending our public schools, and serving this community.”
Engage Jeffco organized a letter of support that has been signed by more than 480 community members, organizations, and elected officials. Included in the letter, they thank the school Board for standing firm on the district’s inclusive policies despite the U.S. Department of Education threatening to strip Jeffco of federal funding over its Title IX compliance. The U.S. Department of Education has threatened to pull $90 million in federal funding if they don’t comply. This threat has placed the district, its educators, and its students in an extremely difficult position as they try to meet all the students’ needs and rights.
Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education and community members are dedicated to backing the district’s continual commitment to inclusive policies that protect transgender and nonbinary students. Engage Jeffco rejects the unsupported allegations regarding Title IX compliance and is waiting, along with the board, as they have decided to file a lawsuit to seek court guidance to uphold Colorado’s anti-discrimination protections. Engage Jeffco says they will continue to advocate for the district’s inclusive policies as the standoff with federal officials continues.
