August 5, 2021
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
HighlandsRanchHerald.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 23
VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 35
Backlash stalled DCSD equity plans, records show Contract with consultants came to abrupt end BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian McKnight said the chance
Plans between Douglas County Schools and a consulting firm hired to conduct diversity and equity training crumbled last school year after backlash toward the group’s work mounted, records show. Now the district is preparing to continue equity work in 2021-22, but leadership said the district is not ready to release details. “We heard and reflected on the concerns raised and have decided to slow down and regroup on Educational Equity and Inclusive Excellence in DCSD,” district spokeswoman Paula Hans said in an emailed statement. The Gemini Group, a consulting firm based in Denver, became a lightning rod in April and May as some community members argued their trainings were evidence the district was teaching the much-discussed academic concept of critical race theory after adopting an equity policy. The district has repeatedy denied that it teaches critical race theory to its students. Nevertheless, the controversy culminated when Superintendent Corey Wise abruptly canceled a staff summit scheduled with The Gemini
SEE THREAT, P31
SEE EQUITY, P16
Celebrating at her 99th birthday party, Yvette Gunther, left, jokes with longtime friend Kathy Martz.
PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES
Thriving at 99 Exercise class and a special party treat mark birthday BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
At 99, Yvette Gunther is not slowing down. Instead, she is driving
herself to a daily senior fitness class, enjoying life and planning for a 100th birthday celebration at Highlands Ranch Mansion next year. Gunther celebrated her 99th birthday at the Northridge Recreation Center in Highlands Ranch last week, joking about the good times, reminiscing about the past,
and enjoying the attention from about 30 friends. Besides traditional food and desserts, Gunther was also treated to her first Jell-O shot during the celebration. In describing their friend, many agreed that the one word that SEE THRIVING, P2
Learning to survive in the face of a threat Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides Active Threat Awareness training BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Going into survivor mode or slip-
ping into a victim mentality can make a big difference in the face of a threat posed at school, work, a shopping center or elsewhere.
MEET OUR NEW PUBLISHER
Veteran journalist Linda Shapley will lead CCM’s newspapers P5
NEW PLACES TO PLAY New breed of entertainment centers offer food, brews, fun P14