(SECURITY-WIDEFIELD, Colo.) — A packed Widefield School District 3 board meeting unfolded as over one hundred concerned parents, teachers, and students gathered to demand the resignation of three board members. Allegations of derogatory comments about transgender and special needs students have cast a shadow over the district, sparking outrage within the community.
The controversy emerged at the last board meeting when students claimed to have overheard a conversation at a local IHOP involving Board Members Greg Fisher, Tina West, and David Dock. According to the students, the comments revolved around the dismissal of social and emotional learning programs, gender-neutral bathrooms, and demeaning remarks about special education students, claiming all they do is urinate, defecate, and scream.
At Thursday night’s board meeting, School Board President Greg Fisher issued a statement before public comment commenced.
“It’s not in the best interest of the board to refute or argue the statements made. We apologize for the negative interpretation of our conversation felt by the students as we all believe in transparency,” Fisher said, in part.
Parents, teachers, and students took the podium during the public comment session, passionately urging the implicated board members to resign. One father characterized the alleged comments as “disgusting and unacceptable,” echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
The gravity of the situation was further emphasized by a fifth-grader who eloquently stated, “If you believe supporting every student is a waste of resources, then perhaps it’s time to rethink your role.”
One district special education staff member tearfully advocated for their students, challenging the stereotypes perpetuated in the alleged remarks: “I am capable of more than the comments disclosed at last month’s meeting. Most importantly, my students are more than what you described.”
Other teachers and staff called on the board members to complete a restorative action plan, by visiting their special education classrooms and completing other training courses mandated by the district.
The meeting took a contentious turn when Tina West’s husband took the podium and addressed the audience, pushing back against the criticism. After yelling at members of the crowd, he was eventually removed by security for disruptive behavior.
Despite the calls to step down, board members said they had no intention of resigning. Fisher emphasized a desire for open dialogue and discussion to find a positive way forward.
