Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act relating to physical education requirements for students enrolled in grades seven through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

Subcommittee members: Stone-CH, Fett, Levin

Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Time: 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Location: RM 304

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

03-04-2025

Teresa Wellman

I oppose this bill. PE requirements already exist. Forcing students into an extracurricular activity is inappropriate and likely unlawful. Many students are not interested or able to participate after school in PE like activities. And dont even get started on laying out specific activities for boys versus girls. If boys should lift weights, then why not girls?! Weightlifting builds bone strength in both. Either prescribe it for both or dont prescribe it at all.

03-04-2025

Rebekah Jacobs

Please vote OPPOSED to HSB278. Many children work after school to support their families, care for younger siblings, or help manage farm responsibilities. As a state rooted in rural communities, imposing mandatory afterschool activities isn't feasible for many families. School bus routes often don't accommodate those who stay for extracurricular programs, and the financial burden of these activities is beyond the means of many households. How will these children will get home after school? Who will cover the costs associated with these programs? Iowa's students should be focused on their studies, not obligated to participate in extracurriculars that may not align with their needs or resources. Not to mention, having different physical education requirements for boys and girls is outdated and needs to be reconsidered.

03-04-2025

Tammy Domonoske

Charter and non public schools should NOT be allowed to attend public school PE or sport events or athletics! Allowing students to exempt themselves from PE is only making America/Iowa fatter NOT healthy!! Exercise/PE is as important as Math, Science if NOT more!! You guys have NO clue how to solve REaL world problems!!!:((((.

03-05-2025

Berea Kaimera

Vote OPPOSED to HSB 278. This bill completely ignores Iowans that are in poverty and cannot afford activities or to not be working after school. Something like this should be a CHOICE not forced on everyone. How is this even a consideration in what is suppose to be a free state?

03-05-2025

Katy Hardy

Please vote OPPOSED to HSB 278. Extra curricular activities should be a choice not a mandate. There are families who struggle financially and dont have the means or resources to have their children participate in these extracurricular activities. May not have transportation or may work hours in which do not work with the schedules. If this moves forward, schools should be given funding to supply the students with gear, equipment, childcare, and transportation for each participating student and their families. Mandatory participation would require the extra curricular activities to be free to the participating students. Also, PE requirements should be the same for both males and females.

03-05-2025

Shannan Barnes

Vote no for HSB 278 One significant concern is the bill's genderspecific mandates. By prescribing distinct physical education activities based on gender, the bill is reinforcing harmful stereotypes and hinder the promotion of equality and inclusivity in educational environments.Additionally, Not all students may have the resources, time, or interest to engage in extracurricular activities, and mandating such participation could place undue pressure on those facing personal, familial, or economic challenges.Are we going to have any choices left, or does Iowa want to mandate everything for the states citizens?....

03-05-2025

Jane Robinette

I oppose HSB278. Legislators should not be in the business of dictating what specific activities physical education classes include. But if you are going to do that, you should not specify different required activities for boys and girls. Girls need (and are able to do) strength training and aerobic activities just as much as boys. Also, the legislature should not require that all boys and girls participate in an extracurricular activity. Many teens work jobs to help their families, and many families do not have the financial means or transportation to have their kids do extracurricular activities. Please do not move this bill forward.

03-05-2025

Lilly Froehlich

I OPPOSE this bill. Many students are too busy to participate in extracurriculars due to work, family responsibilities, and studies. The gender discrimination in this bill is also apparent. Why not require women to lift weights as well? It provides benefits to everyone.