(WOODLAND PARK, Colo.) — On Wednesday, Jan. 29, the Woodland Park School District voted to reject gender ideology and only recognize two sexes throughout the district.

Community members came out to voice their opinions, with some being concerned over what the decision may mean for LGBTQ students, while others expressed gratitude to the school board for taking on the task of deciding on the resolution.

The resolution would only recognize two sexes and reject gender ideology, “the idea that there is a vast spectrum of genders that are disconnected from one’s sex,” according to the executive order President Donald Trump signed during his first day in office on Monday, Jan. 20.

This decision aligns with the recent Executive Order stating that “federal funds shall not be used to promote gender ideology.” As a result, failure to recognize and uphold biological sex in policy and practice could threaten the district’s federal funding. By implementing this resolution, Woodland Park School District is taking proactive steps to comply with federal requirements and protect the resources that support students, teachers, and programs.

Woodland Park School District

“We need to teach our kids the truth, that doesn’t mean that we are going to accept any kind of bullying,” said WPSD School Board Secretary David Rusterholtz. “This is a culture war, and the war has been against the truth for many years and I am proud to say that we need to stand for our kids. We need to tell them the truth.”

WPSD School Board Director of District C Keegan Barkley questioned the board on the resolution, wondering why it was on the agenda when there were more “pressing issues” in Woodland Park schools that could be addressed.

“I have many, many issues with this resolution, and I’m sure that surprises no one,” said Barkley. “There are so many other more important, more pressing issues in our schools right now, Why are we spending the time on this right now?”

Barkley argued the schools needed an EU for special needs students, and a school had no proper heat, roof issues, and more. Barkley claimed that the resolution went against state law.

The resolution moved to motion and was approved effective immediately after a 4-1 vote. According to the district, the decision also aligns with the order that stated federal funds can not be used to promote gender ideology.

“It is a sensitive subject, we do have people who disagree with this and what is interesting though is that five to ten years ago we would have never, people would not have questioned us doing a resolution like this,” said Rusterholtz. “I think that we need to stick with science, and the science has always been that there are two sexes.”

WPSD released a statement and said the resolution reinforces the district’s respect for personal privacy and security in restrooms and other facilities, such as the chance to compete fairly in athletics.

“As a district, we remain laser-focused on academic excellence and creating an environment
where every student thrives,” said Ken Witt, Superintendent of Woodland Park School District.
“We empower each learner with the tools, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed, devoting
our full energy to what matters most—helping students achieve their fullest academic potential.”