(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Parents in Southern Colorado react after Academy School District 20 recently voted to ban transgender student athletes from competing with teams of their preferred gender.
Three school districts in El Paso County, District 49, District 11, and now District 20, have all passed bans. Most parents from D20 who spoke with FOX21 News said they fully support the bans, as the district is also taking legal action to ensure it can enforce the policy.
“I would never ever allow him to go into a strictly female sport,” said Katie Vigliotti. “I mean, that’s just not his area, that’s not where he’s supposed to be. That’s not what God made him to be.”
D20 says its decision comes shortly after D11 and D49 in El Paso County passed similar bans on transgender student athletes.
“I didn’t make every team that I tried out for; it’s just a part of reality,” said Dr. Eddie Waldrep.
Waldrep’s daughter plays basketball, and he only knows of one gender fluid athlete in the district. He is unaware of any transgender athletes, but he is still concerned about girls’ safety.
“There was no call made, and we were wondering was there no call made because it’s a transgender player and the referees are concerned about the same thing,” said Waldrep.
Another concerned parent added that her biggest concern is locker room privacy.
“That’s their own personal space, it’s privacy. You know, it’s different when you have women or people who have the same genitalia,” said Vigliotti.
D20 and D49 in El Paso County are both suing our state, looking to challenge the constitutionality of concern laws and athletic association rules.
“Why are we working around one individual? I mean, it doesn’t mean that they don’t matter, and you don’t care about them,” said Viglotti.
If the districts win the case, both can enact their planned bans. District 11 in Colorado Springs also approved a similar policy, but it’s still deciding on whether or not to join the lawsuit.
We are disappointed to see another school district join this unnecessary lawsuit. Transgender students deserve — and have the legal right — to participate fully in school, which includes sports. The district resources being wasted to challenge trans students’ rights could be better spent on making safer, happier, and healthier schools for every student and every family. In every district.
Inside Out is committed to standing with trans students. We are committed to providing a safer space for young people to be themselves. We are committed to making safer spaces outside of our community center, too. We will continue to advocate for and alongside our community, whatever comes
Spokesperson with Inside Out Youth Advocacy Services
