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Candidates differ on District 20 decision to join statewide fairness-in-sports lawsuit
Summary
Candidates split over the district board's resolution and decision to join a lawsuit on fairness in sports. Some supported joining citing Title IX and safety; others opposed using district funds when the issue is already in court.
At the Academy School District 20 candidate forum, contenders were divided over the board's recent resolution on "safety and fairness in sports" and the district's decision to join litigation challenging statewide athletic policy.
Citing Title IX protections for girls' athletics, Holly Tripp said she supported the lawsuit because she believes transgender athletes can undermine equal opportunity and safety in girls' sports. "Title IX was put in place to ensure girls and women have equal access and opportunity in education and sports," Tripp said, adding that physical differences can make competition unfair.
Several other candidates also supported the district's decision. Susan Payne, an incumbent and a vote in favor of joining the suit, said she led part of the charge and pointed to multiple incidents of concern the board reviewed. "When a student makes a choice to choose a different gender, to be on a different team, and to walk into somebody's locker room where they should be bridal, those are concerns for the safety of children," Payne said.
Opponents cautioned about the frequency of local incidents and the cost of litigation. Renee Malloy Ludlam said the district has seen very few such cases — "two in the past 15-plus years," she said quoting the athletic director's presentation — and argued the district should avoid spending limited taxpayer dollars on a legal question she said will be decided by courts. "This is already getting worked out in the courts," Ludlam said.
Brandon Clark and Jennifer Stites also questioned the district's use of funds on the lawsuit. Stites proposed a case-by-case approach rather than a categorical ban and said a Supreme Court decision expected this term will clarify legal standards.
Eddie Waldrop said he supports the lawsuit, citing what he described as evidence of biological differences and references to federal reports on the issue. "This is something that's been activist driven. It's never been evidence based," Waldrop said and urged policy consistent with available evidence.
The forum included no new board vote; candidates described their positions for voters. Authorities named in candidate remarks included Title IX and local CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) rules; several candidates said state law and ongoing litigation would determine final outcomes.
