Meeting Public Comments

Carl Rowles []

I am writing to you to vote AGAINST House File 9. Not only does this bill have the potential to increase rates of depression and suicides attempts in LGBTQ youth, but could put students in actual danger in their home lives. It is essential that schools remain a safe and accepting place for students. Please consider the following:Suicide is already the secondleading cause of death amongst young people in the country aged 1024 and LGBTQ youth are FOUR times as likely to attempt suicide. Transgender and nonbinary youth are 2 to 2.5 times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBQ peers.Research suggests that most LGBTQ youth do not have parental acceptance at home. Only onethird experience parental acceptance, with an additional onethird experiencing parental rejection, and the final onethird not disclosing their LGBTQ identity until they are adults. Another study found that LGB young adults who report high levels of parental rejection are eight times more likely to report attempting suicide and six times more likely to report high levels of depression. Requiring schools to out students to parents can be dangerous for the students. House File 9 goes against research and policies that protect students. Having at least ONE accepting adult can reduce the risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ young people by 40%. This holds true especially for transgender and nonbinary youth who feel acceptance from adults and peers. Transgender and nonbinary youth attempt suicide less when their pronouns are respected and when they have access to spaces (such as school) that affirm their gender identity. Since we know that an overwhelming majority of students do not find acceptance at home, school becomes their refuge. School must remain an accepting and safe place for students. Weaponizing that space and their relationships with staff members only harms students. The research is clear that students need a space and adults in their lives who affirm who they are and often these people are teachers, counselors, or staff members in their school. Any good school policy is focused on the students, not the parents. What is best for the students? What do they need to help them develop emotionally, academically, and socially? This bill does not aid them in that quest. In fact, it does the opposite. Please be an advocate for students and vote AGAINST House File 9.

Jocelyn Krueger []

Please oppose HF 9. This bill would put many of Iowa's LGBT youth at risk. As a transgender Iowan, even with a supportive home environment, I know for myself and many of my LGBTQ friends that it was peers and adults at school that the first accepting and lifesaving friends and mentors can be found. Teachers at school can offer a bridge of acceptance and understand to LGBTQ youth and their families or provide lifesaving support until kids find an affirming community. As a parent I want to make sure that my kids always have the best support for whatever challenges they face, especially at school and especially if it is something my child is struggling with for which I am illequipped to help. As someone who has worked in education, I do not want teachers being put in an impossible position of helping a child with a potentially dangerous home environment and wondering if I'll be fired for doing so. I've known too many LGBTQ friends that found life saving support not at home, but at school to not tell you as you consider this bill, that passing this bill will hurt people. Please oppose HF 9. Passing it puts Iowa youth in danger.

James O'Hara []

Please vote AGAINST HF 9. Iowa's LGBT youth should not be put at risk. Teachers should NOT have their jobs threatened just by listening, speaking with and being supportive of young people concerning LGBT issues. Passing HF 9 puts Iowa youth in a dangerous spot and does not allow teachers the ability to be compassionate and supportive of their students.

Liza Alton []

Please oppose HF9 as it will hurt Iowa LGBT youth and put them at risk.