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In a contentious dispute over school policy, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) Trustee Kenney Enney has fired back at fellow board members Jim Cogan and Joel Peterson after they accused him of spreading misinformation and engaging in hate speech.
The dispute centers on transgender policies within the district, specifically regarding access to facilities and participation in sports. Enney claims the board no longer shares common moral values, pointing to several incidents that have deepened the divide among trustees.
“When celebrating a murder is ‘acceptable speech’ because you disagree with the victim’s opinions, but stating that there are only two sexes, or misgendering someone is ‘hate speech,’ we no longer have shared morals,” Enney wrote, referencing a controversial social media post by a part-time district employee following the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Enney argues that his position on transgender issues aligns with mainstream American values, citing polling data that suggests widespread support for restrictions on transgender participation in women’s sports. According to polls he referenced, 79% of Americans believe men should be barred from women’s sports and spaces, with similar numbers in California specifically.
The trustee accused Cogan and Peterson of prioritizing state funding over the protection of female students, claiming they have violated their oath of office by not defending the civil rights of girls under Title IX.
At the heart of the dispute is a complex legal landscape that pits California state policies against the federal stance on transgender issues. Enney points to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution and recent actions by the Trump administration that define sex in binary terms for the purposes of Title IX enforcement.
According to Enney, the district risks losing $5.9 million in federal funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year if it continues its current policies. He references a July 2025 U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against the California Department of Education and California Interscholastic Federation that alleges discrimination against female athletes by allowing transgender girls to participate in women’s sports.
Enney also cites a June 2025 Supreme Court decision upholding a Tennessee law that banned certain medical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors, which he says reinforces the Trump administration’s interpretation that Title IX protections are based on biological sex rather than gender identity.
In response to what he sees as the board’s inaction, Enney has publicly advised families with concerns to consider withdrawing from the district, filing formal complaints with both the district and the Department of Justice, pursuing legal action through various advocacy groups that offer pro bono services, or engaging in civic action such as protests and boycotts.
The trustee concluded with a call for voters to remove board members like Cogan and Peterson in the 2026 election if they “refuse to stand up to protect” female students.
This public disagreement highlights the growing tensions in school districts across the country as they navigate complex and evolving policies regarding transgender students, often caught between conflicting state and federal directives, while attempting to balance the rights and concerns of all students in their care.
The dispute in Paso Robles exemplifies how national political divisions over gender identity issues continue to play out in local educational institutions, with significant implications for district policies, funding, and community relations.
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7 Comments
Transgender policies in schools are a challenging topic with no easy answers. I’m curious to learn more about the specific concerns and proposals from both sides to see if common ground can be found.
This seems like a contentious debate, but I’m glad to see the school board engaging with the issue openly. Respectful dialogue is crucial, even on polarizing topics.
This is a complex and sensitive issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the school board can find a balanced approach that respects the rights and concerns of all students, families, and staff.
Disagreements on social issues like this often bring out strong views. While I don’t have a strong opinion, I think it’s important for the school board to listen to all perspectives with an open mind and seek common ground.
Transgender policies in schools are a complex challenge without easy answers. I’m curious to learn more about the specific concerns and proposals from both sides to understand the nuances.
Debates over ethics and fact-based policies in schools can get heated. I hope the school board can find a fair and inclusive solution that respects the diversity of views in the community.
This seems to be a divisive issue, but I’m glad to see the school board discussing it openly. Transparent and thoughtful debate is important, even on sensitive topics.