Palmer High School students challenge District 11's anti-trans policies at board meeting

The Colorado Springs School District No. 11 Board of Education meeting on June 4, 2025, featured passionate public comments regarding proposed policies affecting transgender students. The discussions centered on two main policies, IMD and JBA, which have drawn significant concern from students, advocates, and educators.

A senior at Palmer High School, who identifies as a transgender man, addressed the board, questioning the necessity of policies that he argued would impact a very small number of students—estimated at a maximum of 136 in the district. He emphasized that there are currently no transgender athletes in District 11 and challenged the board to consider the lack of evidence supporting claims that transgender women outperform cisgender women in sports. He criticized the focus on these policies as a distraction from more pressing educational issues.

Jackson Hoskinson, a school advocate from Inside Out Youth Services, expressed strong opposition to the proposed policies, suggesting they perpetuate harm against LGBTQ+ students. He highlighted a pattern of exclusionary practices that undermine the well-being of transgender students. He urged the board to prioritize inclusivity and support for all students, regardless of gender identity.

Other speakers, including mental health professionals and educators, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the mental health risks faced by transgender youth. They pointed out that supportive environments can significantly reduce the rates of self-harm and suicide among these students. Angie Reeder, executive director of Inside Out Youth Services, argued that the policies do not protect girls but rather target and isolate transgender students, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating a hostile environment.

The meeting underscored a growing divide between board members and community advocates regarding the treatment of transgender students. Many speakers called for a reevaluation of the proposed policies, urging the board to foster an inclusive atmosphere that respects and supports all students. The board's decisions in the coming weeks will be closely watched, as they hold significant implications for the district's commitment to equity and inclusion.