Denver Progressives' Proposed Bill Threatens Parental Rights and Promotes Confusion in Colorado Schools
The extreme left-wing agenda of Denver progressives is once again encroaching upon the Colorado public education system. A small group of Denver Democrats has introduced a proposal that could have far-reaching consequences for parental rights and student identity in schools across the entire state.
Under HB 24-1039, which is currently being considered, public and charter schools in Colorado would be mandated to use a student's "preferred name" on school documents, and identification, regardless of whether it matches their legal name.
This means that parents would be excluded from the discussion and decision-making process regarding their child's name – once their child enters a Colorado public school.
One of the major concerns with this bill is the lack of specified penalties for schools that choose not to comply with its provisions. Critics argue that this ambiguity could leave schools vulnerable to legal liabilities, creating a climate of uncertainty and confusion for educators, administrators, school boards, and parents.
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Furthermore, the bill's sponsors are contemplating adding provisions that would punish school staff for unintentionally using the wrong name or misgendering students. This approach only serves to create unnecessary tension and division within the school environment, as staff members may fear unintentionally running afoul of the ever-changing preferences of students.
Jarvis Caldwell, a former House GOP communications director and House District 20 candidate, points out that the proposal completely disregards parental rights. There is no provision whatsoever for parents to exercise their authority and refuse to allow their child to choose any "preferred name" they desire. If a parent objects to the use of a certain name, the school would legally be prohibited from honoring their request.
READ MORE:
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TRANS STUDENT BED-SHARING ON JEFFCO SCHOOL TRIP HAS TRIGGERED PARENTS
GENDER IDENTITY PROPOSALS BY COLORADO YOUTH COUNCIL FACE PUSHBACK FROM CONSERVATIVES
GOP LAWMAKERS REJECT BILL TO REQUIRE SCHOOLS' USE OF 'PREFERRED NAMES' WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT'
The current version of the legislation calls for the creation of a nine-member task force to oversee the implementation of these policies. Strikingly, this task force does not include any parent representation, raising concerns about the exclusion of those who are most directly impacted by these decisions.
Critics argue that HB 24-1039 is not only hostile towards parents but also undermines parental rights in favor of a leftist agenda.
The bill mandates the task force to submit recommendations by January 1, 2025, further solidifying the attempt to push through their agenda without adequate input or consideration.