Resident concerned about effects of gender-related legislation

I recently had a very short, but meaningful dream. It was this – I was on a tour of the school with parents of school children. We were in the girls’ locker room when the lights went out and we were in pitch darkness. We waited for the lights to come back on, but they didn’t. I began to search for the way out of the darkness to reach the light. That was the end of the dream.

I had this dream not long after I learned that in 2021, the State of Colorado created a law concerning schools that I was previously not aware existed. I was in the dark regarding that law and I am now wondering if there are others who are unaware of it. This law requires all public buildings, including schools, to allow LGBTQ2+ persons to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice. Please read the following abbreviated paragraphs from the Colorado Department of Education website; see the website for full content.

Colorado Anti-Discrimination Law: On May 20, 2021, Colorado H.B. 21-1108 was signed into law expanding prohibitions against discrimination. The law calls out the need to protect all regardless of “disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, etc.” in all places of public accommodation, including schools.  

Gender Identity: In addition, with respect to gender identity, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Civil Rights Commission issued rules (3 CCR 708-1) that state “All [public] covered entities shall allow individuals the proper use of gender-segregated facilities that are consistent with their gender identity. Gender-segregated facilities include but are not limited to, restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and dormitories.”

Students choosing their gender certainly need to be accepted in schools and not be treated disrespectfully, but I believe this law completely overshoots LGBTQ2+ anti-discrimination and infringes on the rights of straight students. Concerning gender issues, the state and the CDE have taken over local guidance of every public school in Colorado, from the largest school to the smallest.

What am I going to do about this? I am going to continue searching for the way out of this present darkness into the Light.

Jill Lutze Herr

Holyoke