In a case that has reignited the national debate over parental rights in education, three families in Colorado have filed a lawsuit against Jefferson County Public Schools (JeffCo), alleging that the district’s policies on student accommodations violate their fundamental right to determine what is best for their children. The families, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), argue that JeffCo’s policy on overnight accommodations for school trips disregards parental authority and forces their children into potentially harmful situations.
At the heart of the lawsuit is JeffCo’s policy that directs students to be assigned to share overnight accommodations based on their self-identified gender rather than their biological sex. According to the families, the school district has been misleading parents by assuring them that boys and girls will be roomed separately, while redefining the terms “girl” and “boy” to mean a student’s gender identity.
Parental Rights in Education
The lawsuit claims that JeffCo’s policy infringes upon parents’ rights to make decisions about their children’s upbringing, particularly when it comes to matters of safety, privacy, and moral instruction. The families contend that parents, not schools, should have the authority to decide whether their children should share a room with a child of the opposite biological sex.
“Parents have the fundamental right to raise their children in accordance with their own values and beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson, who is representing the families. “These schools have decided to keep parents in the dark about their policies and force children into situations that violate their parents’ deeply held beliefs about privacy and sex. This is not only a breach of trust but a violation of parental rights.”
The plaintiffs argue that parents were not informed that the district’s definition of “girl” and “boy” is based on gender identity rather than biological sex. As a result, they believe their children could be assigned to share overnight accommodations with students of the opposite sex without their knowledge or consent, putting the children in uncomfortable or even unsafe situations.
One parent involved in the lawsuit expressed her frustration with the district’s lack of transparency. “We were told that our daughter would be staying with other girls, but we later found out that ‘girl’ can mean something completely different to the school than it does to us,” she said. “As a parent, I have the right to know who my child is sharing a room with and to make decisions that I believe are in her best interest.”
The Broader Issue of Parental Authority
The case is part of a growing national movement of parents pushing back against schools that they believe are overstepping their authority in matters related to gender, sexuality, and moral education. Many parents argue that schools are increasingly adopting policies that go against their values, particularly when it comes to controversial issues like gender identity, and that they are doing so without adequate input from parents.
Across the country, parents have been advocating for more control over what their children are exposed to in schools. From debates over gender-neutral bathrooms to the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in curricula, the role of schools in shaping children’s understanding of identity has become a contentious issue.
“Schools are supposed to educate, not indoctrinate,” said one of the parents involved in the lawsuit. “As parents, we have a right to know what’s happening in our children’s lives and to decide what’s best for them. These are our children, and it’s our responsibility—not the school’s—to determine what is right and wrong for them.”
The School’s Response
Jefferson County Public Schools has defended its policies, stating that they are in line with state and federal guidelines aimed at protecting the rights of transgender students. In a statement, the district emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and non-discrimination, arguing that its policies are designed to ensure that all students feel safe and respected during school activities.
“We are committed to providing an environment where every student, regardless of their gender identity, feels welcome and supported,” said a spokesperson for the district. “Our policies reflect our dedication to fostering a community of respect and understanding. We understand that these are sensitive issues, but we believe our approach is in the best interest of all students.”
While the district has maintained that its policies are both legal and necessary, critics argue that they fail to take into account the rights of other students and their parents, particularly when it comes to issues of privacy and personal belief.
The Fight for Parental Rights
The lawsuit highlights a larger debate about the role of parents in public education. Advocates for parental rights argue that schools should focus on academics and leave decisions about moral and personal matters to families. They believe that policies like JeffCo’s undermine the ability of parents to raise their children according to their own values.
“Parents have an inherent right to direct the upbringing of their children, including decisions about their education and moral development,” said Anderson. “When schools adopt policies that disregard parents’ wishes, they are stepping into a role that belongs to the family. We believe that the courts will recognize that this is a clear violation of parents’ rights.”
The families involved in the case hope that their lawsuit will set a precedent for other parents who feel that schools are overreaching in their authority over children’s lives. If successful, the lawsuit could have implications for school districts across the country that have adopted similar policies regarding gender identity and student accommodations.
Looking Ahead
As the case progresses, it will likely draw significant attention from both sides of the debate over parental rights and gender identity in schools. For now, the families involved are standing firm in their belief that parents, not school administrators, should have the final say in decisions about their children’s privacy and safety.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching consequences, not only for JeffCo but for school districts nationwide. For parents, the message is clear: they must have the right to determine what is right and wrong for their children, and schools should respect that right.
Eric Thompson 
Mandy Matthews