A group of Colorado parents has filed a federal appeal against Jefferson County Public Schools, claiming the district violated their constitutional rights by assigning students to overnight accommodations based on self-identified gender rather than biological sex without notifying families.
Attorneys with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) argue that the policy undermines parents’ ability to make informed decisions regarding their children’s privacy and safety.
The legal challenge, now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit, centers on incidents during school-sponsored trips.
In one case, an 11-year-old girl was reportedly paired with a male student in the same room—and initially the same bed—during a 2023 trip to Washington, D.C., without her parents’ knowledge, LifeSiteNews reports.
School staff allegedly instructed her to keep the student’s biological sex confidential at the request of his parents, a practice the families say denied them the chance to protect their child’s well-being.
Another family reported that their son shared a cabin with a biologically female student who had been assigned to monitor his showers.
Parents contend they were never informed of the arrangement, highlighting what they describe as a lack of transparency in the district’s rooming procedures.
The parents’ attorneys emphasize that such policies interfere with parental authority.
“Parents hold the ultimate responsibility for guiding the upbringing and safety of their children, a role that school administrators should not override,” said ADF Senior Counsel Kate Anderson.
She added that protecting bodily privacy and honoring religious convictions are central to these rights.
Jefferson County Public Schools maintains that overnight accommodations are assigned according to students’ self-declared “gender identity” rather than sex.
The district informs families that boys and girls will be separated by floors but does not disclose that the terms “boy” and “girl” reflect gender identity, not biological sex, according to the lawsuit.
Attorneys say the policy effectively prevents parents from knowing where and with whom their children are housed.
The case comes amid increased federal attention on parental rights in schools.
The U.S. Department of Education recently reaffirmed that parents have the right to access all educational records, including documents related to gender identity, following investigations into districts in states such as California and Maine.
Legal observers suggest that rulings in these cases may influence nationwide standards for disclosure and parental involvement.
Plaintiffs also point to a broader pattern of ideological influence within the district.
Jefferson County Public Schools previously required pro-LGBT training for staff and reportedly disciplined a teacher who discussed detransitioners with a student.
Additionally, the district partnered with an autism services provider that hosted a drag story event.
Parents further expressed concern about student behavior trends, citing reports of children dressing as “furries,” complete with tails, collars and ears, while engaging in animal-like gestures and noises.
One mother, who identifies as a Democrat, said district officials attempted to downplay the incidents.
The appeal argues that schools cannot withhold critical information about overnight arrangements under the guise of gender support.
The plaintiffs say the ruling could set an important precedent ensuring that families are fully informed and able to protect their children’s privacy and safety on school-sponsored trips.
As the 10th Circuit considers the case, families involved maintain that transparency and parental authority must take precedence over administrative policies when it comes to children’s care and protection.
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