By Marissa Ventrelli, coloradopolitics.com
Colorado public schools would be required to use a student’s “preferred name” under a proposal that would also label the refusal to do so “discriminatory.”
The bill is among several measures that deal with identity and gender. Another bill aims to make it easier for individuals convicted of a felony to change their legal change to conform with their gender identity.
Proponents argue that socially affirming transgender youth’s identities increase their school performance, while critics said it’s yet another attack on parents’ rights.
If passed, HB 24-1039 would require public and charter schools beginning in July next year to use a student’s preferred name, regardless of whether it is their legal name, for school documents, such as rosters, yearbooks and identification cards.