Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include information about Colorado education policies enacted to protect transgender individuals.

The East Grand School Board of Education voted to advance a policy allowing students to use a chosen name at school without requiring parental approval, despite pushback from two board members.

At a Tuesday, Aug. 19, school board meeting, Superintendent Brad Ray presented a second reading of the policy, which outlines how students may request to be identified by a chosen or preferred first name that reflects their gender identity.

According to the policy, students may use their preferred name at school without parental consent but must maintain legal names on official records unless they receive parent or court approval. School staff must use students’ chosen names, and intentional refusal is prohibited under the proposed policy. Names that are vulgar, offensive or used for misrepresentation can be denied under the proposed policy.

In 2024 and 2025, Colorado passed legislation that addresses a student’s chosen name and provides legal support for transgender individuals. House Bill 24-1039 requires public schools to use students’ chosen names, deeming failure to do so discriminatory. 

The Kelly Loving Act (HB25-1312) was signed into law in May 2025, expanding the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to include “chosen name” as protected components of gender expression. 

Board member Christian Hornbaker of District 3 opposed the measure.

“It puts kids’ rights in front of parents’ rights,” he said, adding that the policy could allow students to keep secrets from families.

Treasurer Chris Raines of District 2 also voted against the policy, agreeing with Hornbaker that the policy should require students to inform parents before a name change.

With a 3-2 vote in favor of the policy, it will move forward to a third reading. At the upcoming meeting on Sept. 2, the board will consider procedures for implementation, including how schools will be involved in conversations between students and their parents about name changes.