Colorado Republicans Rally Against 'Woke Agenda' in Public Education
Conservative leaders in Colorado are urging fellow Republicans to continue their fight against what they describe as the "woke agenda of the left" in public education.
State Rep. Don Wilson, joined by Monument Academy school board president Ryan Graham and attorney Brad Miller, addressed a gathering organized by the Colorado Republican Party, emphasizing the need to protect children and families from the state legislature's influence.
The event featured Miller and Graham sharing insights into a policy implemented at Monument Academy Charter School, which they believe serves as a model for schools statewide.
The policy requires explicit parental approval for children under 18 to express or identify as a gender that differs from their biological sex at school. In cases where a student transitions gender, with parental consent, accommodations such as staff-monitored gender-specific facilities are provided to ensure privacy for both students.
Miller stressed the importance of framing the issue in a way that resonates with a broader audience. Recognizing the diversity of perspectives, Miller maintained that supporting the role of parents in their children's education is a unifying principle that should be championed.
The speakers argued that schools have misinterpreted a 2021 update to Colorado's anti-discrimination law, which added gender identity and gender expression as protected classes.
Graham expressed outrage over a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) threatening to sue Monument Academy unless the school retracted its transgender policy. He proudly shared that Miller responded to the ACLU by essentially telling them to "pound sand." The duo believes their policy can be defended based on a 2000 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upholds parents' rights to oversee their children's care, including education.
While Wilson acknowledged the challenges conservatives face at the state legislative level, he urged attendees to engage in local government and school board meetings to achieve policy wins. He emphasized the importance of participation in these arenas, where conservatives have been successful in implementing their agenda.
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Miller advised school board members to align themselves with district leaders who share their views, citing his experience in Jefferson County, where conservative-leaning board members were recalled in 2015. Currently representing the Woodland Park School District, Miller underscored the importance of effective leadership to effect change.
The recent re-election of two conservative board members in the district has preserved the balance of power and provided encouragement to those pushing for their cause.