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Gov. Polis responds to concerns about sex ed bill at town hall

Posted at 9:54 PM, May 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-05 13:12:20-04

COLORADO SPRINGS – Governor Jared Polis made a stop in Colorado Springs on Saturday, participating in free a town hall at Sierra High School.

In attendance was Amy Rickman, a teacher who opposes the sex education bill.

The bill adds instruction on consent, methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases among other topics.
It’s now in the state house for final consideration.

Rickman is concerned over how it would impact educators who don’t want to share this information to children.

“If they have information they shouldn’t have at that age, so my concern is protecting children,” she explained.

On the other hand, Pat Zeddis, a former teacher and supporter of Polis, says it’s a step forward.

“I think it’s way overdue,” she said.

But Polis reminded the crowd they can choose by electing their school board.

“There is no curriculum that the state forces on any district, you elect your school boards,” Polis said.

Others, like Zechariah Werner, was among protestors asking for Polis’ recall.

He wanted to hear polis talk about the “red flag” bill.
Now a law, it grants judges the authority to temporarily remove firearms from people believed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.

“That violates multiple amendments and constitutional rights that we the people have and they just don’t care,” Werner said.

Afterward, he wasn’t that surprised Polis didn’t bring it up for discussion.

“I didn’t expect him to because there was such a big blowback from that it’s pretty much like pulling a pin from a grenade and holding it in front of a large crowd. You’re not going to do that,” he said.

But supporters and critics alike say they were glad they sat in for the discussion.

“Really glad I came today,” Zeddis said.

“I don’t get a chance to go up to the capitol very often so when he comes out to us like this, it’s nice to actually be able to hear his words,” Werner added.

This marks Polis’ first visit to Colorado Springs since the legislative session ended on Friday.
The next session will begin again on January 8th.