Trump administration gives Jeffco 10 days to change its policies or risk its funding

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The Trump administration on Friday gave Jeffco Public Schools 10 days to change its policies on transgender students’ rights or risk losing federal funding.

The federal Office for Civil Rights previously found that Jeffco’s policies on bathroom use, sports participation, and overnight accommodations violated Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination. Investigators said they found 61 boys’ names on Jeffco girls’ sports rosters. The district said the names belonged to managers, trainers, and mascots rather than athletes.

Still, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights announced in a news release Friday that it is moving forward with enforcement, which could include referring the case to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The district had anticipated the move. On Wednesday, the Jeffco school board authorized potential legal action in case the federal government attempts to withhold funding.

In a statement Friday, the 74,000-student district said it stands to lose more than $90 million in federal funding.

“The trust of our students, families, staff, and community is one of our most important responsibilities,” the district said. “That trust requires us to speak honestly, insist on accuracy, follow the law, and stand up for the students we serve. We will continue to do so.”

Jeffco Superintendent Tracy Dorland called on Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Education Commissioner Susana Córdova to back the district, as well.

“Should this dispute wind up in the courts, we ask for your active participation as a party in defense of Colorado law,” Dorland wrote in a letter to the three state leaders.

Jeffco has maintained that its policies comply with Colorado’s anti-discrimination law, whose regulations allow transgender individuals to use restrooms, locker rooms, and dormitories that align with their gender identity.

In a news release Friday, U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey called Jeffco’s Title IX violations “widespread and blatant.”

“Today’s action makes clear that continued noncompliance will be met with accountability and consequences,” she said.

The department also found neighboring Denver Public Schools in violation of Title IX last year but has not pursued enforcement action against that district.

Melanie Asmar is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Colorado. Contact Melanie at masmar@chalkbeat.org.