(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Wednesday, June 4, Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) Board Secretary Jason Jorgenson proposed a rule that would ban students from playing on sports teams that match their preferred gender.
The proposal defines that biological sex would be based solely on the individual’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth. The proposal also states that in contexts where inherent biological differences between males and females are relevant, sex-based distinctions may be appropriate to ensure fairness, safety, and equal opportunity.
The proposal states that allowing boys to compete against girls is demeaning, unfair, and dangerous to the girls, and denies girls the equal opportunity to participate and excel in competitive sports.
If passed, the proposal would ban biologically male students from competing on athletic teams or sports designated as female, women, or girls, and biological females from competing in male teams. The proposal also bans students from entering or being present in locker rooms different from their biological sex.
The proposal also includes rules banning students from using hotel accommodations or similar accommodations being used by athletic teams that are designated for teams different from their biological sex.
“Gender policing, judgment, it’s harassment, and I don’t think we should be imposing that on our students,” said D11 School Board Director Julie Ott.
“We have in the past dealt on an individual basis, and I think this policy allows us to continue to do that, while also making sure that we are not putting one group at risk for the sake of another,” said D11 School Board Director Dr. Sandra Bankes.
Earlier this year, School District 49 in El Paso County passed a similar policy and is suing Colorado to enact the policy.
About The Author
