Woodland Park board adopts resolution saying there are only two sexes after hours of public comment

The Woodland Park School District RE-2 Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution on Jan. 29, 2025, stating that there are only two biological sexes, directing the superintendent to update administrative policies and facility-use guidelines, and saying the district will separate restrooms and locker rooms by male and female where consistent with law.

The resolution drew more than a dozen public comments before the vote, with parents and community members both urging the board to adopt the measure and urging the board to delay it. Supporters said the measure preserves what they described as “biological reality”; opponents called the resolution harmful to LGBTQIA+ students and urged the board to focus on safety and services for all students.

The resolution text cites local control under the Colorado Constitution and references a Jan. 20, 2025, federal executive order described in the package; it directs the superintendent to “update any relevant administrative policy, procedures, and facility agreements, and usage guidelines to be consistent with the knowledge that there are only 2 sexes, male and female,” and states it takes effect immediately.

Public commenters opposing the resolution included Rachel Norvell, who told the board that declaring two sexes “not only [is] scientifically inaccurate, but also deeply harmful to the LGBTQIA+ students,” and Nicole Brockley, a parent who said she appreciated the resolution’s federal alignment but urged “implementing this resolution while at the same time paying attention and being concerned for those people who might be worried.” Amy Wolin, identifying herself as a longtime resident, asked the board to table the resolution for “further information and discretion,” saying “this is an opinion being made into a resolution and probably ultimately a policy. It's not based on any facts.”

Eric Lachman spoke in favor of the resolution, saying it “is not about denying anyone's identity or experiences, but about upholding the biological reality that has existed for centuries.” Several commenters cited national surveys and school-climate data when describing possible mental-health impacts of exclusionary policies.

On the dais, board discussion ranged from remarks invoking “science” and the presence of a Y chromosome as determinative to cautions that the district must act “within the constraints of law.” At the conclusion of discussion, a motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded and the board recorded a roll-call vote; the motion carried and the resolution was adopted effective immediately.

The board packet and text of the resolution reference the Jan. 20, 2025, executive order described in the meeting, the district’s status under Colorado law, and Colorado Constitution Article IX, Section 15, cited in the resolution as background for asserting local control over instruction. Several speakers and at least one board member noted potential conflicts between the resolution’s directives and existing state law on restroom access, and cautioned the board about legal exposure.

The board did not take additional, specific policy motions (for example, immediate reconfiguration of facilities) during the meeting; the resolution directs the superintendent to update administrative policy and facility agreements as necessary.

The item capped a public-comment period in which residents also raised other concerns — including building maintenance, alleged delayed repairs at Columbine Elementary trailers, and declining enrollment — but the board limited discussion and proceeded to the vote.

The full resolution text and supporting materials are in the district meeting packet; the resolution states it takes effect immediately upon adoption on Jan. 29, 2025.