Pride and Protest Supporting D11 Students 06-04-2025
The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education is considering two dangerous and discriminatory — possibly even illegal — policies —IMD and JBA — that directly target LGBTQ+ students and staff.
Policy IMD would ban all flags and symbols on school property except for American, Colorado, military, and academic flags—effectively erasing Pride flags, stickers, and inclusive signage that let LGBTQ+ students know they are seen and supported.
Policy JBA would bar transgender students from participating in sports and using locker rooms that align with their gender identity—stripping them of their dignity and right to belong.
These policies were sent to legal counsel on May 22. The Board will discuss them again on June 4. If no major legal concerns are raised and the board so chooses, a final vote is scheduled for June 11.
June 4 also marks the first Wednesday of Pride Month—a powerful moment to stand in peaceful protest and solidarity. Let’s make it clear:
️ Every student deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported.
Want to speak at the meeting?
Public session begins at 5:30 PM
– Register to speak in person by 5:20 PM, or
– Register online between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM: d11.org/boe/meetings
You’ll have up to 3 minutes to speak your truth
Nervous or unsure what to say? Reach out to Joseph Shelton on Facebook—I’ll help you craft your message and make sure you’re supported every step of the way.
Can’t attend or don’t want to speak? That’s okay! Email the Board and share your thoughts. I can help you draft a powerful message.
Board Member Emails:
Parth.Melpakam@d11.org; Jill.Haffley@d11.org; Jason.Jorgenson@d11.org; Lauren.Nelson@d11.org; Sandra.Bankes@d11.org; Thomas.Carey@d11.org; Julie.Ott@d11.org; Michael.Gaal@d11.org
✊ Stay Peaceful. Stay Proud.
We know opponents of equality may try to provoke us. Their goal is to create conflict and paint our community as unsafe. We will not give them that power.
We lead with love—not anger.
If tensions rise, take a breath, step back, and hold your peace.
We’re here for the students.
We’re here for each other.
We are strong. We are proud. We are peaceful.
Join us June 4 as we rise in Pride and demand a future where every student—no matter who they are—can thrive.
️⚧️ Hate has no place in our schools.
️ Let’s show D11 what community looks like.