Meeting Public Comments

Berea Kaimera

I oppose HSB 158. It infringes on personal freedom. If someone doesnt want their kids at a drag show they can keep them from going. But making it so no parents are allowed to send their kids even if they want to goes against basic freedoms. Also a felony??? Are we trying to make kids lose their parents here? Vote no.

Rebekah Jacobs

Please vote OPPOSED to HSB 156, HSB 158, and HF 284. HF 284 removes the freedom of association from the libraries. The ALA, ILA and ARS help provide cooperation between libraries, supporting staff, and resource sharing. VOTE NO TO HF 284. HSB 158 is removing parental rights. Parents have the choice to take their kids to see a play, a baseball game, WWE wrestling, etc. Why should that right be stripped from parents who want to take their children to Drag Queen Story Hour? VOTE NO TO HSB 158. HSB 156 will limit teachers ability to adapt to our children's educational needs. If a student doesn't understand the material in the format it was 1st given, the teacher will no longer be able to find new material. This will make our state regress even further in education. VOTE NO TO HSB 156.

Sean McRoberts

Please reject HSB 158. This bill labels any performance featuring a person who does not fit narrowly defined gender norms obscene. This would include many Shakespeare plays, operas, family films like Mrs. Doubtfire, and most performances of Jesus Christ Superstar.As a transgender pastor, I believe this bill would also infringe my rights to free speech and free practice of religion by barring me from the pulpit. Further, this illconsidered bill actually engangers Iowas children. Trans youth are already at dramatically higher risk for assault, homelessness and suicide. This great risk is directly related to laws and public speech that does not recognize trans youth as valid human beings, and to religious teachings that call them sinful and deny their sacred worth. This proposed legislation will further elevate the risk to young people, especially trans youth, but also nonbinary and gender nonconforming children.

Shannan Barnes

Vote NO on HSB 156 I am writing to express my concerns regarding House Study Bill 156, which requires school districts to publish extensive information about instructional materials, policies, procedures, and educational content available to students. While transparency in education is essential, this bill presents several challenges:Administrative Burden on Educators: The bill mandates that teachers and staff utilize a database or software tool to post links and information about all instructional materials, videos, worksheets, etc., within 10 days of classroom use. This requirement imposes significant additional workload on educators, potentially detracting from their primary focus of teaching and supporting students. UENIA.ORGResource Allocation and Financial Implications: Implementing and maintaining the necessary technological infrastructure to comply with these requirements may require substantial financial resources. This could divert funds from direct educational services, affecting the quality of education provided to students.Impact on Instructional Flexibility: The necessity to preemptively or promptly disclose all instructional materials may limit teachers' ability to adapt lessons to the dynamic needs of their classrooms. Such rigidity could hinder responsive teaching practices that address students' evolving learning requirements.Privacy and Intellectual Property Concerns: Publishing detailed instructional content online raises issues related to intellectual property rights and the privacy of educational materials. Unauthorized access or misuse of these materials could occur, compromising the integrity of educational content.Questionable Efficacy in Enhancing Parental Engagement: While the bill aims to increase parental involvement through transparency, the sheer volume of information may overwhelm parents rather than inform them. Effective communication strategies should focus on meaningful engagement rather than exhaustive data dissemination.In conclusion, while the intent of House Study Bill 156 to promote transparency, the potential administrative burdens, financial costs, and unintended consequences on instructional flexibility and content security warrant careful reconsideration. I urge you to oppose this bill and seek alternative approaches that balance transparency with practical implementation in our educational system.

Shannan Barnes

Vote NO HF 284 House File 284 poses a serious threat to the autonomy, funding, and effectiveness of public libraries in Iowa. It undermines the professional development of librarians, restricts access to vital resources, and compromises the foundational principles of intellectual freedom and free speech. I strongly urge you to oppose this bill and support the continued growth and independence of our public libraries.

Carol Elbert

Vote No on HSB258 which would remove state funding through the Enrich Iowa program to libraries that are members of professional organizations such as the American Library Association and the Iowa Library Association. Libraries join professional organizations to improve service to Iowans. I rely heavily on my public library, and I believe that quality public libraries are essential to a democracy.

Michael Roberts

Vote NO on HSB 158. Criminalizing free expression is unconstitutional. The government should not be trying to act as a parent. Please stop with culture war nonsense and focus on the very real issues Iowans are facing.

Katy Hardy

Please vote OPPOSE to HSB 156, HSB 158, HF 284, and HF 334. HSB 156: Teachers should be allowed to be flexible in their teaching practices throughout the school year. Every student does not learn the same way and just like in government legislation things change in education and information. Teachers go through mandatory and sometimes voluntary seminars and workshops where they learn how better to enrich their students throughout the year. They should be able to use what they learn and adjust their syllabus or lesson plans accordingly. HSB 158: Drag has been an art form for centuries. Parents should have the right and opportunity to make the choice to take their children to a performance. If a drag queen or drag king kindly donates his/her time to read a book to kids, we should let them and thank them for their time like any other volunteer who encourages kids to read.HF 284: Libraries are vital sources of information and deserve funding. They are essential to rural Iowa communities and to all Iowa citizens. Information should never be censored. HF334: I am a woman of God. My children go to church, bible school, and vacation bible school. When they are older they can participate in youth programs that center around faith. I believe Chaplains have a place in hospitals, hospice, and in the military and value their services. However, school funding and time should be spent on educators, education, safety, health services, janitorial services and maintenance. The children can and should worship and practice their faith(any religion) outside of school time in places of worship and local youth programs. There should be separation of church and state.