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Public comments at District 49 meeting focus on anti‑trans policy JBAA and related concerns
Summary
Dozens of residents, students and advocates addressed the school board during public comment, nearly all on the district's policy JBAA. Speakers included transgender students, local advocacy groups, teachers and parents who called the policy harmful; some others urged a stronger emphasis on American civics and the flag.
Public comment at the El Paso County Colorado School District 49 board meeting centered on the district’s policy referenced as JBAA and related issues of student safety, classroom content and transparency.
Speakers included advocacy groups, teachers and students who called the policy harmful and said it would damage student mental health. Ollie Glessner, advocacy director at Inside Out Youth Services, told the board that policy JBAA is “illegal, harmful, and based on pure myth,” and criticized the board’s timing and process for adoption. Devin Chatrone, who identified themself as a transgender woman, said the policy and the process were “pathetic” and described how anti‑trans rhetoric harmed children and families.
Several speakers tied their comments to broader national debates. Annette Yeba and another resident urged schools to emphasize American civics and flags; one commenter cited Colorado Revised Statute 22-1-106 and asked the district to ensure required flag instruction and display. Others, including teacher Eleanor Skelton, said bans of trans students from facilities and activities are harmful and connected such policies to national trends.
Student and parent comments also emphasized harms and process concerns. Sam Mayfield, a former D49 student, criticized board members for appearing unprepared to vote on bathroom‑use policies and urged inclusion of trans students. The student board representatives noted they had held forums and engaged peers on these topics; Benjamin (student representative) later told the board he had lost respect for some members after the JBAA vote and urged the board to “value all people.”
Board president Gail Thompson also used a late public comment slot to speak on JBAA, calling the policy “nothing but a repetition of that unfounded bigotry” and urging the community to pursue legal challenges and complaints; she named three board members who had supported the policy.
Why it matters: The public comment period captured intense community disagreement over district policy and process. Speakers testified to mental‑health risks, the need for meaningful public input, and worries that rapid policy moves echo actions in other states.
Board response and context: The board did not reverse the policy during the meeting; several directors and the superintendent clarified procedural details (for example, standards for public comment and the district’s multi‑step policy process) and said more communication and community engagement would continue.
Ending: Public commentary on JBAA will likely remain a focal point at future meetings; several speakers signaled intent to pursue complaints and litigation and asked for continued public scrutiny.
