WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2023
VOLUME 36 | ISSUE 32
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Changes to school district parent policy approved in 4-2 vote Misgendering students approved BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
there were no injuries, she is also proud to see how much people came out to help each other. In a video provided by Douglas County, Jeff Whipple, president of the Church of Latter Day Saints in Highlands Ranch, said more than
The Douglas County school board passed changes to the district’s parent engagement policy, which will now allow misgendering of trans or nonbinary students and staff by prohibiting “compelled speech” in schools. The policy changes passed on a 4-2 vote, with board members David Ray and Susan Meek dissenting. School board President Mike Peterson drafted the changes to the parent engagement policy, which were first discussed on April 25 and then voted on during the June 20 meeting. Peterson added statements to the policy that recognize parents rights, prohibits compelled speech, requires disclosure of student information and honors decisions to optout of some curriculum or activities. The suggested changes and the process to adopt the changes raised concerns for board members David Ray and Susan Meek.
SEE TORNADO, P12
SEE SCHOOLS, P11
Crews work to clean up trees following a damaging tornado that moved through Highlands Ranch on June 22.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Community comes together to clean up Highlands Ranch after tornado BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Following an unusual tornado touching down in Highlands Ranch on June 22, Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas and community leaders immediately got to work with local volunteers to assess
and clear the damage. In a video released by Douglas County on June 26, a community hard at work was shown as residents, neighbors and leaders rolled up their sleeves and cleared debris, branches and damage. Thomas, who represents Highland Ranch, said while she is glad
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