Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 2338.)

Subcommittee members: Hayes-CH, Larson, Levin

Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: House Lounge

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

Comments Submitted:

01-22-2026

Rick Phillips

The bill prohibits providing certain material to the students, but what happens if educators or a school district ignores the prohibition? Nothing! There is nothing in the bill that says if the prohibition is ignored what the penalty will be. There are no consequences, so what is the incentive for teachers and school districts to abide by such a law if there is no punishment?

01-23-2026

Cat Kubie

I write you as a teacher in training. In 18 months, I will have a 612 classroom of my own, teaching art. I'm coming to this as a second career, in my 40s, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to be on this journey. I'm looking forward to the many opportunities I will have to share the joy of art, the payoff of dedication and practice at a skill, and the problemsolving mindset that art can engender. I also look forward to being a postiive force in my students' lives, just as my teachers were in mine. That is why I write today to thank you for standing against HF2121. This Bill transforms classrooms into unsafe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, where they must hide their sexuality, which can exacerbate the issues that these students are already facing. The people of Iowa have the right to be concerned that a bill centered on the rights of parents actually infringes on the rights of children, namely their right to feel safe at school and speak openly to their teachers and classmates. Children also deserve to learn about important historical events, especially history that is representative and reflective of their lives, and the Dont Say Gay bill would limit those opportunities to learn and erase the lives of so many important people who have come before them artists like Keith Haring and Freida Kahlo, who made important works reflecting their lived experiences in the world, and some of whose most important works reflect their gay identites, which I would not be able to mention. This would be a lie of omission, from me to my students. I know that the Iowa Senate respects teachers, and I hope that our Reps will show us that respect in trusting us to create classroom spaces where our students can thrive, feel seen and heard, and learn about important people who have shaped the world they live in. Thanks for your time and for your support against this bill. I am also queer, and I know how much it would have meant for me to have teachers like me when I was in high school in 2002. Not so that they could preach on LGBTQ identities from the front of the classroom, but so that they could queitly show me that I would be okay, that there was a future for me, and that who I am wasn't shameful. All children deserve role models who reflect a positive future for them.

01-23-2026

Tammy Shull

Im very concerned that the legislature is considering advancing HF2121 which limits reference to the LQBTQ community in school rooms through 12th grade. This legislation is totally unnecessary. Our professional educators and local school boards should be determining curriculum not something that is mandated from the statehouse. Please recognize and respect the LQBTQ community to protect our children and keep our communities as safe places for all who live here.

01-23-2026

Kathy Graeve

I am opposed to HF2121. Vote no on HF2121. Curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda. Enough of the culture wars. Iowans want solutions to real problems in our state. Focus on funding public education instead of pursuing political agenda items from outside groups.

01-23-2026

Tyler Pittman

I oppose the advancement of this bill. This bill is unnecessary and harmful. Programs and curriculum should be set by professional educators, not politicians. Partisan politics should not shape our children's education. Decisions about what does and does not belong in the classroom should be up to qualified groups like school boards and faculty, not a centralized government that has no experience in the specific districts they are placing these restrictions upon. Restricting access to information about gender and sexuality for young teens can be extremely harmful. At that age, teens are beginning to explore and experiment with who they are, and without proper safety information and positive support, they could end up making dangerous decisions or developing mental health problems. Teens in our nation are already extremely atrisk, and it is important we protect them by allowing them to access appropriate educational resources where available. Regardless of whether or not you personally "agree with" that lifestyle, I am sure we can agree that all children, regardless of their orientation or gender, deserve to be safe and supported. HF2121 stands to cause lasting harm to already marginalized groups of children and teens.

01-23-2026

Leo Kriz

Here are my thoughts on legislation that started in Florida and Tennessee and has spread to Iowa (as Iowa copies bad ideas): At a time when LGBT people arecoming out youngerthan ever before, limiting education around LGBT issues until high school simply doesn't make sense. Silence speaks loudly. A law restricting discussion of LGBT issues would send a clear message to students that it's not okay to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. That messagefuels bullying, questioning about the feelings youth are havingand can magnify the feelings of isolation and shame that drive all too many LGBT youth to selfdestruction, suicide and being misinterpreted by their families who dont understand the feelings their children are having of being not normal.The bill could also stop teachers from responding to antiLGBT bullying or harassment; the vague language makes it unclear when standing up for students would mean breaking the law. The law may also interfere with students' academic growth and stifle the experience of living through adolescence. My parents and many of my friends parents didn't get what I was feeling and I would be told to read the Bible or more often other parents would kick their own children onto the street. But it's not too late to stop this bill, its time to have an open discussion on sexuality, not the slam the door on books that educate and that foster an information vacuum that loving parents can not fill.

01-23-2026

Nicole VanderLinden

Please vote no! Each year, the heartless (and nonChristian) message gets clearer: our legislature is obsessed with telling LGBTQ Iowans that they are not welcome here by inventing problems that don't exist. The only "ideology" being pushed here is the ideology of bigotry.Arguing on behalf of decency and humanity has fallen on deaf ears time after time, but can we PLEASE at least stop wasting precious time and resources on these stupid crusades and start focusing on real problems Iowans face? Look around; there are plenty to choose from.

01-23-2026

Heather Riley

Once again, here we go with the nonsense legislation to punish LGBTQ Iowan and their families. This bill is wrong. Curricula should be established by professional educators, not partisan lawmakers. LGBTQ Iowans exist they always have, and they always will. Attempting to legislate their existence away is further proof that some lawmakers aren't serious about improving the lives of all Iowans. How about getting to work on issues that really matter?

01-23-2026

Alexa Brockmueller

Dear Subcommittee,If this bill intends to hide diverse genders and sexual orientation in schools, that will not be the effect. Topics about different orientations will continue no matter what. This bill will instead cause an increase in bully, depression, and suicide rates among students who have lost their school support system.Moran, S. A., Bishop, M. D., Watson, R. J., & Fish, J. N. (2025). LGBTQ+ youth policy and mental health: Indirect effects through school experiences. Journal of research on adolescence : the official journal of the Society for Research on Adolescence, 35(1), e13052. https://doi.org/10.1111/jora.13052Schools will no longer be a place of safety and students affected by this bill will have a harder time participating and learning in their classes. More harm than benefit will come from the passage of this bill and student safe lies your hands.

01-23-2026

Ian Sutton

I strongly oppose HF2121. The CDCs Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows LGBTQ+ teens are over four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Cutting all discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 712 will worsen those risks by increasing isolation and stigma.Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that withholding accurate information does not protect studentsit only drives them toward unreliable sources. HF2121 also strips teachers and districts of local control, forcing them to ignore real issues happening in their classrooms.This bill harms students, undermines educators, and rejects evidencebased policy. I urge lawmakers to reject HF2121.

01-23-2026

Whitney Free

As an Iowa voter, I strongly oppose HF2121 and urge you to do the same. Curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a hateful agenda. High schoolers are mature enough to learn about the existence of LGBTQ+ people especially because they are or have peers who are part of this demographic. Passing this bill means erasing a specific group of people from our kids' curriculum and trying to shape facts into a false narrative. What kind of example does that set? Please do NOT pass this bill. We are paying close attention.

01-23-2026

Renae Angeroth

Please vote no on HF 2121. Not allowing discussion about sexual orientation in jr high and high school will not stop our youth from being gay. It will only push them further to the margins and deterioration of their mental health. Advocate on behalf of all of Iowa's teens and youth.

01-23-2026

Debbie Griffin [Downtown Disciples]

As a voting resident of Des Moines, concerned neighbor and the pastor of Downtown Disciples, a Christian Church Disciples of Christ congregation in Des Moines, I strongly oppose HF2121. The Declaration of Independence asserts that We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. HF2121 infringes on the pursuit of happiness of students, parents and educators by attempting to erase, and/or diminish the God given identity and incredible gifts of LGBTQ+ people. HF2121 would restrict and silence free speech in the classroom and puts Iowa students at a disadvantage. It has the potential of harming students self worth, health, and safety. Most legislators lack the proper training, education or experience for writing selecting, or redacting appropriate curricula for our students. This task belongs to our educators. Please vote no on HF2121, Rev. Debbie Griffin

01-23-2026

Megan Bannister

As an Iowan, I strongly oppose HF2121. Not only is this piece of legislation incredibly damaging to the educational freedom of young Iowans, but it also sets our school systems on a path to cause lasting harm to Iowans of all identities in some of their formative middle and high school years. The educational criteria and curricula for Iowa students should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a hateful political agenda.

01-23-2026

Martin Lemke

I oppose this legislation because LGBTQA+ students should have the right to a safe education, and not be discriminated against by narrow minded politicians and theocratic fanatics. Discrimination based on Race, Religion and Gender Identity is not the way Iowans should be. Christ said nothing about Gays in the Bible, but he said lots about Adulterers.

01-23-2026

Joseph Samuel

I oppose the advancement of HF 2121. This bill will do nothing positive for the students in our schools. Instead, it will increase hopelessness, alienation, and depression in our LGBTQIA+ youth. Students in grades seven through twelve are in puberty and old enough to learn about these topics. Partisan politics have no place deciding on school curriculum. I urge you to not advance this bill.

01-23-2026

Paul Winer

I strongly oppose HF2121.This bill would expand restrictions that erase LGBTQ people from K12 curricula, sending a harmful message to students that some peoples lives and identities are inappropriate to acknowledge. Students including high school students are capable of learning about the real world in ageappropriate ways.Curriculum decisions should be guided by professional educators and child development experts, not by partisan political agendas. Laws like HF2121 undermine inclusive education and harm LGBTQ students and families across Iowa.I urge legislators to reject this bill and focus on policies that support all students.

01-23-2026

Jude Abel

I believe curriculum decisions are best made by licensed educators and local school boards professionals who are trained to determine what is developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs of their communities. HF2121 removes that local discretion and replaces it with a broad, statelevel prohibition on entire categories of discussion. This is not an expansion of parental or community freedom. It is a restriction of it.I am particularly concerned by the bill's removal of instruction related to gender theory and sexual orientation. Preventing educators from addressing these topics does not protect children. Rather, it denies students the opportunity to learn about real aspects of human experience in a structured, factual, and ageappropriate environment. When such discussions are barred from schools, students are more likely to encounter misinformation or feel isolated, rather than supported.I respectfully ask how HF2121 aligns with principles of local control, individual liberty, and parental choice when it eliminates the ability of communities and educators to make informed decisions about their own curricula.For these reasons, I urge you to oppose HF2121 and to support policies that trust educators, respect localdecision making, and prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all Iowa students.

01-25-2026

Kelsey Taylor

I strongly oppose HF2121 and I am asking you to vote no. I believe curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda. Iowas children are better served if we focus on adequately resourcing public schools, making our water safe to drink, and supporting families through affordable childcare and parental leave (to name just a few actual problems Iowa children and families are facing)

01-25-2026

Paige Junge

I'm a high school English teacher and I fundamentally oppose this bill.In addition to the concern of shoving LGBTQ kids back into the closet (and all of risks that come with that), I'm worried about the unintended consequences.It will limit reproductive education in Sex Ed classes and science classes.We are seeing an all time low of teen pregnancy thanks to years of comprehensive sex ed curriculum. That will change with this bill.But back to soontobe closeted LGBTQ kids. You already know that they have a higher risk of depression and suicide. This is bill will continue to drive that number even higher. That blood will be on your hands.You also know how illogical it is to think that discussing a reality of existence isn't going to suddenly turn anyone gay or trans. If that logic held true, there wouldn't be any queer people prior to the year 2000!Get real and stop creating fake outrage that puts LGBTQ kids and families at risk.

01-25-2026

Carly Bueltel

As a clinical psychologist, I am in opposition of HF2121. It was mentioned by some during Iowa Senate Subcommittee on 1/21/26 that teachers are not mental health providers, and therefore they should not be dealing with questions or emotions related to gender identity and sexuality. That this is the role of the parents. And that the school has become distracted by these conversations and questions. What I hear in this is that some educators & parents feel either overwhelmed by, confused with, or are adamantly opposed to fielding student's awareness of certain topics of human development. Saying that these topics should be banned from existing in the school environment because of that struggle is the issue. The issue is not that students would have questions. Or that students would seek out knowledge of themselves or the world around them. The issue is when legislation or adults in power act to erase information because they themselves feel ill prepared or in conflict with the information. As a clinical psychologist, I am trained to be curious about what environmental aspects aggravate anxiety, depression, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, and aggression towards self or others. Relevant to HF2121, restricting access to resources, aid, representation, or safety is a risk factor. An environment aimed at developing safe, healthy, informed, and happy budding adults cannot do this when it signals to it's students that their educational support is conditional to whether or not it 'aligns' with religion or is easy to explain.

01-25-2026

Jane Robinette

I am opposed to HF2121, which would take current restrictions on elementary schools' ability to have materials and programs, etc., on LGBTQ+ issues and people, and expand it to middle and high schools. These are the grades where including this information could make a real difference in students' lives. Instead, this law would require the erasure of certain students and families in curricula and more. Middle and high school aged students are mature enough to learn about the existence of LGBTQ people; they most likely know some or ARE them. This kind of legislation is completely inappropriate, and the current law on K6 is still tied up in the courts. I thought we supported "intellectual freedom" in Iowa now. Curricula should be set by trained, professional teachers not partisan politicians. Please vote no on HF2121 and leave LGBTQ Iowa youth and families alone!

01-25-2026

Rick Phillips

It amazes me how so many people are moved by emotions and feelings. This legislation does not deny anyone their "Godgiven" constitutional rights, nor does it advocate violence against LGBTQ. It merely wrecks the Woke train of social engineering to use public schools and public dollars to mass produce a behavior that everyone readily admits is harmful to children. Why do we want to continue harming innocent children by lying to them? It should be a crime to do this to innocent minds. There should be penalties for educators that lead children down this insidious path of insanity to a despondent and unproductive life. Teaching gender identity is child abuse. Let's totally eradicate gender identity from Iowa public education and curricula altogether. There is no intrinsic value in this nonsense except to create weak children. Let's pass HF2121 with severe penalties for violating.

01-26-2026

Kira Bliss

I strongly oppose HF 2121. As an Iowan, I believe our schools should be safe, supportive places for all students, including LGBTQ youth.Students in grades 712 deserve access to accurate, ageappropriate information and adults they can trust. Restricting these conversations puts vulnerable students at greater risk of isolation and harm.Curriculum decisions should be left to professional educators, not politicians. Please oppose HF 2121 and protect inclusive, supportive school environments for all Iowa students.

01-26-2026

Luke Conner

Vote NO on HF 2121. The education committee should be focused on education. Not censorship. Iowa students live in a diverse world, and that diversity should be explained when necessary. This bill would do nothing to prepare students for living and working in the world.

01-26-2026

Evan Meester

I am fundamentally opposed to this bill (HF 2121) as it is simply a way to cause more hatred, division, and unneeded suffering in our state. We seem to have moved over the course of the last decade and a half from becoming a more loving and caring state for all, to a state that cares more about whether we end up persecuting the right people. That action is never the right option. Instead of grace and love we prefer to define ourselves by who we hate. I for one, cannot abide by such a bill as it already places more pain on an already persecuted minority. Let alone the pain and stress on teachers who are simply trying to, crazy as it may sound, TEACH. For the Republicans who read this comment (and yes it is mostly republicans in support so I'll call you by party), I implore you to be better. Love as Christ loved and quit putting undo stress on people who are already hurting.Pastor Evan

02-04-2026

Nikki Aden

I strongly oppose HF 2121.My primary concern is that this bill would prohibit Iowa schools from providing students with researchbased, accurate, and ageappropriate instruction. By expanding these restrictions through 12th grade, we are effectively choosing to leave our students illprepared for the complexities of the modern world.Middle and high school should be environments where students are safely exposed to the realities of life. Restricting the ability to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity does not make these topics disappear; it simply ensures that Iowa students will lack the tools to navigate them with maturity and respect.In short, this bill (i) stifles intellectual growth by preventing the open and healthy debate that is the cornerstone of a highquality education, (ii) limits perspective, by hindering a students ability to learn about the rich and varied lives of the people in their own communities, and (iii) undermines teac

01-26-2026

Margaret Beck

Please vote NO on HF 2121. This bill creates a harmful learning environment for LGBTQ students and does not serve any of the students, who will live and work alongside many different kinds of people. Why would we actively promote ignorance and discrimination in K12 schools?

01-26-2026

Harry Ehrlich [None]

This legislation provides for preventing exposure to students in 712 of biased or inappropriate information relating to a sexual nature that should be taught by parents and not schools whether public or private at this age. IIn itself this proposed legislation does not negatively impact special needs or LGBTQ inclined children nor does it advocate violence against LGBTQ. It also seems that There should be penalties for educators or Administrators who violate this proposed code. Please pass HF2121 up to full committee and consider adding penalties for violating it.

01-26-2026

Elizabeth Estling

This is such a ridiculous thing to be worrying about. We need to focus on math and reading and science and yall are worried about the birds and the bees for teenagers? Seriously? Leaving out this information is factually incorrect. Like how do you plan to explain clown fish? We just don't teach Iowa kids about marine life? Or what about plant reproduction? Bc omg what if a plant has BOY PARTS OH NOOOOO GENDERRRRR! This is such a waste of everyone's time. Do something actually useful.

01-26-2026

Barbara Rhame

I have read through the many comments by experts in psychology and education, of which the committee members are neither. Please let the experts advise as to what is best for all Iowans instead of forcing the majority of us to live within your narrow and hateful range of ideas and control, shame on you if you allow this kind of homophobic thought take control, really disgusting, at best.

01-26-2026

Destini Hoth

I am writing to express my opposition to House File 2121. This bill goes beyond reasonable parental involvement and instead broadly restricts educators from providing accurate, ageappropriate instruction and discussion that reflects the real world students live in.HF 2121 risks harming students by erasing entire groups of people from classroom learning, limiting historical and health education, and creating confusion and fear for teachers who are simply trying to do their jobs. Schools should be places where students feel safe, respected, and prepared for lifenot places of censorship. I urge you to vote against HF 2121 and instead support policies that protect student wellbeing, uphold educational integrity, and respect the diversity of Iowa families and communities. Lets actually focus on things that benefit all of our students. Thank you for your time and consideration.

01-26-2026

Josephine O'Donnell

I'm writing in opposition of HF2121. The bill would make LGBTQIA students feel unsafe and unaccepted in their classrooms and schools. Legislating intolerance never makes a school or community or state better. I grew up in an Iowa known for its acceptance and tolerance. Enacting this legislation would teach our children that it's okay to exclude their fellow students, to see LGBTQIA students as having fewer rights as them. There seems to be a farright ideology that's overtaken the majority that seeks to punish anyone that is different or doesn't believe what they believe, and to force their beliefs on us through legislation like this. It's shameful. We are better than this.

01-26-2026

Susan Johnson Langan

I am writing to strongly oppose HF2121. This bill is so damaging to Iowa's secondary students. The Iowa legislature has already made life so difficult for our LGBTQ+ population. Why do you want to make things even worse? What is the harm in allowing students to learn about who they are and feel positive about their identity? As a high school counselor for over thirty years, I am telling you that this bill will only cause more heartache, and LGBTQ+ students will continue to be at higher risk for suicide. Give me one reason that if this bill were to pass, it would benefit our Iowa students? Even if students are not LGBTQ+ students, they need to learn about other people's lifestyles. Not all of our students will stay in small towns in Iowa, and we need to be open to learning that there are different ways of living and THAT IT IS OK to be in the LGBTQ+ population. This bill is AWFUL, and if you allow it to move forward, you are doing a HUGE DISERVICE to ALL students in Iowa.

01-26-2026

Melissa Koch

Please stop HF2121.Gender identity and sexual orientation are reality. The scientific and medical communities have confirmed they are a part of human and animal life. For example, intersex a medical condition that has both male and female characteristics, can not be checked off by doctors as either male or female. Not talking about these identities doesn't make them go away. But silencing the education community does endanger students' lives. All students need to be seen and heard for who they are. Drug abuse, suicides, and homicides from hate crimes increase when students' identitiesthe identities that God gave themare not acknowledged and edified. The school environment is the ideal place for acknowledging these identities and educating young people about the human condition.

01-26-2026

Melissa Koch [B&B on Broadway]

01-26-2026

Erin Ohrlund

Please vote no on this unnecessary bill. Further work on this bill is a waste of legislative time and taxpayer money. You should focus on Iowans' actual priorities like clean water, affordable health care, and transparency in government spending.

01-26-2026

Jonathan Fasselius

I urge you to vote no the newly moved goal post that is this bill. You keep changing the ages when students can learn about sexual health and orientation, and enough is enough. We all knew when you first started to let this snake in the house, you'd keep going with it, and here we are; at a stage where you hope to finally indoctrinate all students by denying them information. This bill seeks to intentionally shield ageappropriate, biologically accurate material from students for societal reasons rather than educational ones. Students do not choose a sexual orientation because they learn about it. They may become empathetic towards those different from them, and preventing that seems to be the goal here. It does not protect our students from anything except the realities in the world around them, and we owe it to our children to have a wellrounded education with factual information provided by qualified and caring teachers. A yes vote to this bill steals all of that from them in service of a scientificallyilliterate culture war.

01-26-2026

Terri Gordy

I oppose HF2121 and respectfully ask that you vote NO on this legislation. Support at home, in school, and in the community is important for all children and youth who are exploring or questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, not all students have support at home or in their community. Its up to Iowa schools to educate students about LGBTQ+ issues, an important part of a students healthcare. A teacher or other school official is a safe person who can provide the guidance and instruction students need around LGBTQ+ issues.By the time they are in high school, most students have knowledge about the LGBTQ+ community. They may live with someone or know of someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. They may even know their own gender identity or their sexual orientation by the time they reach middle school or high school. I hope we can count on you to oppose HF2121. Professional educators should be the ones setting curricula for Iowa public schools, not politicians. Thank you for your consideration.

01-26-2026

Julie McCarty

Nowhere in state government civics does it say that the legislative branch should ban teaching a subject that aims to erase an entire population of human beings. How is this helping anyone?? Or lowering our cancer rates, cleaning our water, lowering taxes, growing business, paying for childcare? Just another hurtful and destructive bill coming out of Iowa Republicans.

01-26-2026

Lisa Medanic

I am opposed to this bill. Not allowing children to talk about gender identity does not mean that they won't have struggles with it. If they cannot talk about it or learn about it at school and their parents are not willing to discuss it, they may learn false things from peers or predators. If we truly want to keep kids safe, we will allow a safe discussion at school.Additionally, pretending like gender differences do not exist will not make that true. Years ago, my husband was hit for being lefthanded and told that God didn't make lefthanded children. He is, of course, still lefthanded. Denying it, did not change his biological makeup any more than denying that a child is gay or trans will make it not true. About 10% of the population is biologically lefthanded and we no longer think of that as a problem or a characteristic to be changed. Also, about 10% of the population is biologically LBGTQ+. Why can we not also accept sexual orientation as a biological characteristic that cannot be changed any more than being lefthanded? Fifty years from now, people will look back upon this legislation and be horrified by its ignorance and cruelty.

01-26-2026

Erin T

I'm a woman of trans experience born in Iowa City and raised in Grinnell in the 90s. This bill would force today's trans youth in Iowa back into the incredibly homophobic and transphobic era I grew up, when there was no information on freedom of gender and sexuality. Vote NO on this vile restriction of individual freedom; our youth deserve the liberty to understand who they are and who they love.

01-26-2026

Tiffany DeBow

This bill is ridiculous and unnecessary. As if 712 graders, teenagers don't know about any of this. How do you teach human sexuality or gender in health class, biology, anatomy. Whether you all want to admit it or not heterosexual is an orientation and gender is a social construct.

01-26-2026

John Carr

I am opposed to this legislation and feel that curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda. It is inappropriate and I am watching to see how you justify erasing a specific group of people from the curriculum. Children are a lot smarter than you are giving them credit for being...they know what is going on in the world. The people still exist no matter what you do even though you have taken away some their rights and protections. You should be ashamed.John T. Carr4301 Park Avenue Unit 130Des Moines, IA 503215152841626Seadragon555myctl.net

01-26-2026

Stephanie Hartz

Please allow students to receive education. They have their own body, experience and mind. We should allow students to learn age appropriate information in a safe space with unbiased information. The prevalence of suicide in Iowa is too high. Brain health and body health are important. No human is wrong for how they exist.

01-26-2026

Stephanie Hartz

01-26-2026

Max Kenkel

This is a stupid bill. If I was in schools and against this bill, I would absolutely go ham on any straight stuff too. I would make it so annoying and so obviously a protest and I would encourage everyone who thinks similarly to absolutely lambaste any kind of straight propaganda. You know, to prove the point: this bill is totally unnecessary and a waste of time and energy and resources to police something that doesn't matter and that only bigots and little insecure men want. Fix our water instead. Fix all the roads. Get rid of vouchers That's a bill(s) worth passing. Not this hate laced garbage. As always, don't take the class if you don't like it. It's not like anyone in favor of this bill can read, anyways.

01-26-2026

Nancy Hanaman

Dear Subcommittee Members, I oppose HF2121 and urge you to oppose it. The education curriculum needs to be set by teachers and their schools, not by the legislature. LGBTQIA young people need understanding and support. This legislation is not needed in Iowa.Nancy HanamanRippey

01-26-2026

Stacy volmer

I strongly oppose House File 2121. This bill would strip students in grades 712 of essential, ageappropriate education about gender identity and sexual orientation, denying them the knowledge they need to understand themselves and others. For LGBTQ+ youth, this is not just censorship, it is a direct threat to their mental health, safety, and sense of belonging. Students who are forced to navigate adolescence without accurate information about themselves face higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. HF 2121 is discriminatory, harmful, and deeply cruel, putting politics above the wellbeing of Iowas children. Lawmakers must reject this legislation and ensure that schools remain safe, inclusive spaces where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

01-26-2026

Jenelle Jensen

01-26-2026

Shelley Jilek

I am so tired of the hate coming from the republicans in this state. Our schools have declined to the point of embarrassment because you politicians mandate everything that can or cant be said or taught.. All youre doing is driving our students to bully others.. let them learn what our brilliant teachers are trained to teach and stay out of it!!

01-26-2026

Brigitte Mohler

This will harm children. Children need a safe space in which to learn and to be themselves. Children need to learn about compassion, diversity, and the differences that are intrinsic to humanity. Preventing children and their teachers to freely move through the world and learn together about various identities harms everyone and creates more divisions. This should not leave subcommittee.

01-23-2026

Lakeisha McVey

My name is Lakeisha McVey. I grew up attending Des Moines public schools, have lived in Des Moines most of my life, and I am writing in strong opposition to HF2121.At the Senate hearing this week, supporters of this bill described conversations about gender identity and sexual orientation as a social contagion, an ideology, or something that should only ever be discussed at home. I strongly disagree. Simply ignoring gender identity or sexual orientation does not stop LGBTQ students from existing. It erases their reality, and teaches them that who they are is shameful. That is not what school is for.School should be a place where young people learn not only math and reading, but how to think critically, how to listen to others experiences, and how to grow into confident human beings. Discomfort is often part of learning; it does not automatically mean something is inappropriate or wrong.I knew in elementary school that I had crushes on girls that felt the same as my crushes on boys. No one taught me that. I simply knew. What was taught to me, indirectly through the exclusion, was that people like me were mocked or condemned. So I kept it a secret, and I carried shame for years that followed me into adulthood. School was my favorite place in the world. I loved learning. I would have carried far less shame if I had been taught that people like me existed and belonged.There are ageappropriate ways to teach about families, bodies, identity, and difference. Banning these topics across the board rather than trusting professional educators to develop appropriate curricula is not about protecting children. It is about silencing and erasing entire communities.Ive heard people in support of this bill argue that gender theory is inaccurate, trying to use science and there being two sexes as a justification to support their argument. Yet it is inaccurate to claim that science recognizes only two distinct sexes because modern science recognizes biological complexity. Like the fact that people can be intersex or have variations such as additional X or Y chromosomes. Sex and gender are not the same and that has long since been recognized. Reality is more complex than those who support this bill will acknowledge.HF2121 sends a message to LGBTQ students that they are unsafe to be acknowledged in their own schools. I urge you to reject this bill and instead support educational environments that are honest, inclusive, and grounded in professional expertise.

01-23-2026

Cheryl Hanway

I oppose HF2121. Schools need to be a safe space for ALL our students, not just the ones who pass our personal criteria of "who is good and who is bad". Let the schools determine what needs to be provided to meet the needs of their students. Students and families have the option to opt out of activities on an as needed basis. Let the families at each school (not politicians) decide what is right for their students.

01-23-2026

Jane Dodge

Oppose HR2121. Cirriculum should be set by those specially trained, not legislators that wish to push their political agendas. Focus on making things better by funding our public schools and stop wasting time on "culture wars". All kids need to be supported, not "taken out" by legislation.

01-23-2026

Eleanor Glewwe

I strongly oppose HF 2121. School curricula should be set by educational professionals and local school boards, not politicians. Moreover, it is absurd to prohibit schools from talking about gender and sexual orientation in ageappropriate ways with 7th12th graders. These students may have LGBTQ+ friends and family members. They know LGBTQ+ members of their community. They may be queer themselves. A bill like this cannnot make the topics of gender and sexual orientation go away. Most of all, a prohibition like this sends a terrible message to gay and trans students, telling them that who they are is shameful and has no place in school. This bill is hurtful and harmful. Please do not advance it.

01-23-2026

Gina Schlesselman-Tarango

You cannot ban something if you do not define it. What do you mean by gender theory? There are many from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. You have to be able to define your terms before you can claim they are inappropriate etc. Otherwise, this reads as the ideologically motivated and not evidencebased bill that it is.More importantly, this is shameful and embarrassing to the state of Iowa. Who will want to live or work where politicians refuse to acknowledge the reality of queer and gender diverse people? What a disservice we would be doing to our children. Just because you dont want something to exist doesnt mean it doesnt. How is this preparing our kids for the real world?

01-23-2026

Angelina Anderson

All children should feel welcome and accepted in our communities and in our schools. Pretending that gender identity and sexual orientation don't exist and insisting that biological sex and heterosexuality are the only ones that are "recognized" or "normal" is detrimental not only to our LGBTQ+ students, it's detrimental to everyone. Schools are for learning and sharing knowledge that includes learning about each other, learning to interact with other human beings who are different from ourselves, learning to have empathy. Some people say these things should just be taught at home but home doesn't encompass a large community; it's not as diverse as our schools or the general public. Ignoring LGBTQ+ identities not only makes those CHILDREN feel excluded and unsafe, it also robs every student of the opportunity to know one another as whole, complete people and gain understanding and empathy. Please vote NO on HF2121

01-23-2026

April Pearson-Decklever

Please don't support HF2121. Whether we like it or not, our kids are exposed to all kinds of information from lots of different sources. It's better that they learn about gender theory and sexual orientation from trusted adults with all the facts and childdevelopment expertise, like teachers. For those saying the parents should be teaching it, I say, "Why not both?" It never hurts to learn more about yourself or about people who are different from you, even if you don't understand or agree with it.

01-23-2026

Mark Greenwood

Im writing as a constituent to express my strong opposition to HF2121, the proposal to expand Iowas Dont Say Gay/Trans restrictions to all K12 classrooms.This legislation would insert partisan political agendas into spaces where they do not belong. Curriculum decisions should be guided by trained educators, school administrators, and subjectmatter expertsnot by politicians seeking to score ideological points. Iowas teachers already operate under rigorous standards and oversight, and they deserve the professional trust to do their jobs without unnecessary interference.Expanding these restrictions would limit honest, ageappropriate discussions and create an environment where LGBTQ students and families feel erased rather than supported. Every student deserves to feel seen, respected, and safe in their school community.I urge you to oppose HF2121 and instead support policies that strengthen our schools, respect professional judgment, and keep political ideology out of the classroom.

01-23-2026

Tierney Israel

This bill does nothing to protect students and actively seeks to harm them by taking away a safe place where they can be who they are. Stopping educators from saying gay does not stop students from being gay. It only takes away language and history that can help them identify themselves and feel comfortable, safe, and happy. There have always been LGBTQ+ and there always will be. Even when being gay was illegal, people were still gay. In countries where being gay is punishable by death, people are still gay. Please trust that high school teacher speaking about a topic that includes LGBTQ+ is not going to turn your child gay. To quote Lady Gaga, baby I was born this way.

01-23-2026

Merisa Mackey

I write to you as a parent and a citizen of Iowa. This bill is shameful and threatens the health and safety of our kids. Representation is important. Validation and recognition is important. Knowledge is important. All a bill like this does is take a space where kids have to go every day and make it less welcoming, less safe, more ignorant and more detrimental to their mental health.When I moved here over a decade ago I was surprised and proud to find out Iowa was one of the first states to allow gay marriage. I am no longer proud to live here. I am ashamed of what the representatives of this state have done to reverse progress and strip human rights from vulnerable people.Dont pass a bill that furthers an agenda of hate and bigotry. Be better.

01-23-2026

Kelly Green

Curriculum decisions should be made by trained, professional educators using established educational standards and best practices not by partisan politicians advancing a political agenda. Iowas teachers and school leaders are best equipped to determine what is ageappropriate, accurate, and beneficial for students. Even if there are constituents that believe sexual orientation or gender theory are in the classroom for political reasons to begin with, it should go without saying that the answer shouldn't be introducing even more government regulation on what teachers can and can't teach.Legislation like HF2121 undermines local control, professional expertise, and the educational mission of our schools. I urge opposition to this bill and to instead support policies that respect educators and focus on student learning, rather than a current fad of political ideology.Thank you for your time and consideration.

01-23-2026

Jill Watrous [Former public schools teacher, West Des,Moin]

There is enough bullying going on without Republicans pushing to further ostracize & hassle LGBTQ students with another push to restrict curriculum & free speech re: LGBTQ status or information. The proposed bill isn't based on any science or research about what causes such human diversity, and instead further targets LGBTQ students as so negatively different from cisgender students that we aren't even allowed to have civil discussion about related topics in school settings. Republicans should be ashamed for this selfrighteous, short sighted form of intimidation & oppression of students, I steadily of promoting such biases.

01-23-2026

Ola Carnahan

I oppose HF 2121. It is not the role of politicians to police what teachers can discuss in classrooms the responsibility to decide that lies with teachers, educators, and professionals on children's development and mental health. 7th12th graders are more than mature enough to understand and discuss matters of gender and sexuality in an educational setting. Focus on making schools a welcoming and safe environment for all students, not policing what educators can talk about.

01-23-2026

Sam Moon

This will only cause harm to Iowas citizens and isolate those who are in need of community support more than ever. You cannot simply silence an entire group of people because you dont understand them. I am opposed to the legislation and that curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda. Republicans have made who I am political by force. This bills only goal is to forcibly silence the voices of authors and teachers with an open mind and heart. This bill passing would harm countless students more than you would know. I urge you desperately to vote against this legislation for the sake of LGBT Iowans. Please. Thank you for reading. Sam Moon

01-23-2026

Maria Taylor

I strongly oppose HF2121.This bill expands censorship in Iowas K12 classrooms and removes professional judgment from educators in favor of political control. Curriculum decisions should be guided by teachers, education experts, and local communities not partisan lawmakers pursuing ideological agendas.HF2121 harms LGBTQ students by making their identities and families unspeakable in school settings, increasing stigma, isolation, and risk of harm. Schools should be places of safety, belonging, and honest learning for all students.I urge legislators to reject HF2121 and instead focus on policies that support students, respect educators, and strengthen public education in Iowa.

01-23-2026

John Carr

I am opposed to this legislation and feel that curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda. It is inappropriate and I am watching to see how you justify erasing a specific group of people from the curriculum. Children are a lot smarter than you are giving them credit for being...they know what is going on in the world. The people still exist no matter what you do even though you have taken away some their rights and protections. You should be ashamed for what you have already done and now you want to advance it.

01-23-2026

Allison Gookin

Do the right thing and say NO to this bill. It is a censorious overreach that would result in a lot of pain, isolation, and miseducation. It is an attempt to push discussion of LGBTQ lives and history out of education. It is an attempt to push us out of public life. It is an attempt to scare us into silence, and we will not go quietly.

01-23-2026

Larissa Boeck

I strongly oppose HF2121. As elected members of the house it is your job to represent the will of the people that voted you into your positions. The comments here make it clear that the people of Iowa do not want this bill. The Senate hearing was packed with Iowans opposing this bill and giving compelling testimony as to why this legislation is harmful. HF2121 will contribute to brain drain driving talented, educated Iowans to take their skills to other states where they are celebrated and supported. Let professional educators do their job in setting their own curricula. It should not be decided by partisan politicians with a political agenda. For all these reasons and more you must vote no. Thank you.

01-23-2026

Nevi Zerkle

I am writing in opposition though it seems pointless for you either do not read these comments and/or willfully ignore them despite the majority opinions being opposed. That is the point for you lot. Your goal has been and continues to be clear control the legal and acceptable means of dissent such that no meaningful action can lawfully be taken against you or to stop you. Criminalize identities such that bullying, suicide, and yes hate fueled homicides are the result against the targeted communities. To pretend you do not know what you are doing or that this is the desired result would be facetious. You intend to suffocate public schools so that they only work for what you define to be the"right and rightly believing" people. You are using schooling and levers of government to disenfranchise and criminalize LGBT people, beginning most fervently with the T of that acronym. You hide behind religion as though only Evangelical Christianity is the one that can get and exercise the right to freedom of religion and force it into school curricula because you find dogma makes for an easier to control populace than true diversity of belief being allowed to flourish let alone exist. You fully intend to use this legislation to criminalize and terminate licenses of LGBT teachers just as was done in the past under the guise of "protecting children from 'sexual perversion'" while propping up an actual child predator in the white house. But again, you know all of this and are content with yourselves because you revel in the cruelty and cloak yourselves in hollow religiosity.

01-23-2026

Annie Kramer

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa and half of my caseload is working with adolescents. I want to express my concerns with HF2121 and state that I am opposed to this legislation. In my training, it is my duty to be aware of child development and what is developmentally appropriate information when working with adolescents. From a mental health standpoint, I have no concerns with 7th 12th graders learning about gender and sexual orientation. These topics are developmentally appropriate for these age groups, especially when they are taught by licensed educators who are also trained in child development and developmentally appropriate curriculum. I DO have concerns with the amount of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma that adolescents can experience when they are exposed to hostile environments that are creating a culture of otherness and exclusion. I hear about these experiences from my teen clients, and the amount of young people who are deeply struggling with shame and otherness caused by hostile environments is overwhelming. It is our duty to protect our 7th12th graders, and unfortunately, this bill seems to be trying to achieve safety at the expense of a very vulnerable population. LGBTQ youth deserve to be in an inclusive environment, and deserve to be protected, just like the rest of their peers.

01-24-2026

Mary Noer

Let the educators set the curriculum in our schools, not partisan politicians. Please vote this bill down. As a former teacher I assure you there is no Gay agenda being pushed. We have too much to do just to get through our own materials. That said, if a student in need came to me, I helped them, be it getting a tampon, a hug, just talking, or getting support when parents kick them out of the house. My daughter found out she was gay in 8th grade. When telling me about it, she said it was so hard to say, even though she knew we love her no matter what. She said it was too hard not to come out to her friends, not to be who she is it is harder to pretend.When she got to high school, she met others whose parents had disowned them, kicked them out. They had no where to go and it will be worse with this bill. This bill will abandon all those children who have no where to go, no one to get help or answers from. This will not help them or society. PLEASE do NOT support this Bill!! Spend the time on Bills to provide affordable housing, affordable health care so many real problems!

01-24-2026

Kelly Beck

As an Iowan, a parent, and a school psychologist serving Iowa schools, I strongly oppose HF 2121.Educational decisions belong with educators, not politicians. Curriculum should be set by professional educators, school boards, and faculty who understand their students and communities. Local educators have the expertise to determine what belongs in their classrooms.This legislation threatens student safety and wellbeing. Removing school support systems for LGBTQ+ youth doesn't eliminate their challengesit eliminates their access to help. Supportive school environments reduce bullying, depression, and suicide among LGBTQ+ students. This bill would strip away those protective factors, increasing hopelessness and harm among our most vulnerable young people.Schools should be welcoming for all students. This legislation makes schools less safe, less welcoming, and more detrimental to student mental health. Every Iowa student deserves to learn in an environment where they can thrive.I urge you to oppose HF 2121 and trust our educators to support all students.

01-24-2026

Kristen Daily

I am writing in opposition of HF 2121. Curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with an agenda. This harmful legislation makes classrooms and learning spaces unsafe for LGBTQ+ students by forcing them to hide their identities. Every child deserves to feel safe at school and speak openly with their teachers and classmates. Thank you Representative Levin for standing up for LGBTQ+ students and families. Representatives Hayes and Larson, I encourage you to consider the harm you are perpetuating by supporting this legislation and choose differently. I am a proud queer Iowan, and you cannot legislate away our existence.

01-24-2026

Abbey Sturm

I oppose this bill. It is disheartening, frankly borderline delusional, and an overall waste of resources and time. You do realize heterosexuality is a type of sexuality? Therefore any mention of anyone's relationship at all could be considered promotion of a sexuality. European history and so many other subjects crucial to an education become a bit more fraught and impossible. LGBTQ+ folks exist and have always existed. If something comes up in the course of life or school or the greater world that concerns you about how your child is handling or absorbing it, then have a discussion with your child about it. That is a parent's individual responsibility to raise their child, not turn the state into a nanny. Don't pass an ambiguous, impossible to enforce, and discriminatory bill to impose one group of folks' will and specific interpretation on an entire state. Talk to your child and stop limiting and harming other people's children and wasting state resources. This is America; act like it and uphold its founding ideals. Thank you for your consideration.

01-24-2026

Gretchen Graff

You can make it illegal to say gay and trans in schools, but there will always be gay and trans kids. Policy should protect students, not erase them. Curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan politicians with a political agenda.

01-24-2026

Jean Hagen

I am deeply opposed to the bill to expand the Dont Say Gay ban to grades K12. It is so disrespectful of teachers, parents and students. And so harmful to the state of Iowa. It will increase the already high brain drain of young people and families choosing to leave Iowa for more welcoming and enlightened states. Eventually there may be only old folks like me left here. Rather than wasting your time and our tax money addressing problems that dont exist I wish you would address the actual problems of Iowa such as corporate control of agriculture, the widespread pollution of our rivers and water supplies, the extremely high and rising cancer rate, the tanking economy, the attack on the rights of women and girls and their autonomy, and the list goes on. If I was younger I would choose to leave Iowa like many others. If you as legislators cannot or will not actually improve our state at least please refrain from harming it further. Thank you.

01-24-2026

Allie Koolbeck

This is a nonsense and dangerous bill, designed to further marginalize valued members of our communities and generate hate. Educators should be in charge of curricula, not partisan politicians. I urge the committee to oppose this bill.

01-24-2026

Diane Hernandez

I have a lovely and thriving gay adult child. Before she came out, I always assumed that, if you knew in your heart that your family would support you, you wouldn't fear being your true self. When she told me how hard it was to admit to herself that she wasn't going to get a "traditional" life, I was so thankful to any message she ever received that told her it was ok to be true to yourself. Any book, any rainbow sticker, or any message that helps a child accept themselves saves lives. To put it bluntly, please vote no on a bill that, if it passes, could be responsible for children doing self harm or worse.

01-24-2026

Janet Casson

This legislation takes our state backwards in regards to respect for our citizens. It is also a harmful exclusion for youth and educators alike. Why wouldn't we want all Iowans to better understand each other and to be more inclusive, open and without prejudice and fear? Don't be hateful. Vote against HF 2121.

01-25-2026

Anna Wagner

I oppose this bill because its harmful to students and educators. I dont think that an administration run by rapists, pedophiles, and criminals should be allowed to decide what is appropriate and acceptable to teach in schools full of children.

01-25-2026

Claire Anderson

The only thing this bill does is harm. It harms all students, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, by marginalizing them and depriving them of a full education. It harms the teachers who lose control of their curricula, it harms parents by restricting their kids' education, it harms everyone in this state who will decide to move away, and the people who stay will be harmed by their absence. Iowa is already losing population as its educated and caring citizens move to states where they are supported and respected legislation like this is why. VOTE NO.

01-25-2026

Maggie Welchhance

I oppose HF 2121 and encourage you to vote no. Education policy should center students, educators, and evidencebased practices, not partisan politics. Iowans are tired of culture war legislation. We want solutions that strengthen our schools, including meaningful investment in public education, not legislation that deepens division.

01-25-2026

Denise Warzak

Please vote no on this harmful bill. Not mentioning LGBTQ+ history or culture in classrooms does not prevent LGBTQ+ kids. It only further alienates them from a state that is already telling them that they are not welcome here as they are. This only serves to harm kids mental health further.

01-25-2026

Denise Warzak

01-25-2026

Denise Warzak

01-25-2026

Denise Warzak

01-26-2026

Kayla Crann

As a public educator I should be able to talk with my students in a supportive or open way without fear of my job being in jeopardy. I am a teacher to support and encourage students to be true to who they are, find their confidence, be good humans and help make the world a better place. There is no indoctrination or agenda. Schools should be a safe place for all, and that will look different for each individual.

01-26-2026

Eric Saylor

It may be taken as read that this bill has nothing to do with education and everything to do with bigotry and bullying on the part of the Iowa Republican Party. The incompetence on display here is stunning, inasmuch as the ability for Section 5.a to be fulfilled is nullified by the amendment proposed under Section 3.q, because banning discussion of sexual orientation *also applies to discussions of heterosexuality.* It will not be possible to talk about anything related to human sexuality because there is *always* some form of orientation applied. And while Iowa Republican officials may want the public to be ignorant about their own bodies and feelings, the vast majority of Iowans do not want that.Quit wasting taxpayers' time and money with ridiculous, knuckledragging legislation like this that wants to deny reality, bully minority groups, and make us a national laughing stock.

01-26-2026

Shauna Meany

Like many others, I am writing in opposition of HF2121 and I respectfully ask that all committee members take these comments from your community members seriously and vote NO. Programs and curriculum should be set by professional educators, not politicians. Decisions about what does and does not belong in the classroom should be up to qualified groups like school boards and faculty. Every student deserves to feel seen, heard and SAFE to be themselves in the classroom. Lets focus on ways we can do that instead of inserting policies that will actively harm, disrupt and isolate students.

01-26-2026

Tammy Domonoske

This is hateful, disgusting backward bullshit that does nothing for Iowans to improve affordability, lower taxes, prices, or improve our lives!! You are wasting time on crap that only YOU are sacred of! STOP the HATE &DO your damn job of reducing prices, taxes, improving water quality, making Iowa wages higher than #48, lower cancer rates, FUND the TRUST IWILL!!!!!!!!!!!

01-27-2026

Carol Tjaden

I am strongly opposed to this bill. Havent you done enough harm to the LGBTQ community already? Focus on legislation that matters and is helpful not hurtful. Leave curriculum and school matters to educational professionals not political hacks with personal agendas of their own.

01-27-2026

Grace Rogers

The previous version of this bill from K6 has already impacted my children in negative ways. When their counselor gave a presentation about bullying, my child told them that they forgot to mention LGBTQ+ as a group that can be bullied and the counselor told my child, were not allowed to talk about that in school. So essentially by NOT allowing discussion about gender identity and sexual orientation, were giving children a green light to bully LGBTQ+ kids. Its utterly ridiculous that the Iowa legislature is spending any time on these sorts of bills whatsoever when they could be feeding hungry children or increasing teachers salaries to name a few. Get your heads out of the bible and do something GOOD for Iowans.

01-27-2026

Lindsay Park

I oppose HF2121This bill is about taking away the choices of students and parents in order to please right wing politicians who wrongly believe they have better understanding of school curiculum then our professionals. Focus on the real problems in our State and stop trying to make it worse.

01-26-2026

Adria Booth-Tyler

Iowa State Senator Sandy Salmon claims her latest antiLGBTQ legislation is about parental rights. It isnt. It is about using state power to impose one narrow ideological and religious worldview on public education, at the expense of other peoples children.Parents in Iowa already have extraordinary control over their childrens education. That reality alone makes Senator Salmons argument collapse under scrutiny.For decades, parents who object to sex education in public schools have had the right to opt their children out. No family is forced to participate in instruction that conflicts with their beliefs. That option exists now and has long been respected.Beyond that, Iowa has significantly expanded homeschooling rights. Families who want complete control over curriculum can homeschool with minimal interference. And families seeking religiously aligned instruction can now use public funds to enroll their children in private religious schools through schoolchoice programs.Given these facts, the claim that public schools must be legally barred from acknowledging LGBTQ people in order to protect parental choice is simply false. Parents already have ample tools to guide their own childrens education. What this legislation does instead is strip choice away from other families.This bill does not empower parents. It mandates censorship.Public schools serve everyone. They are not private religious institutions. Teaching students that LGBTQ people exist, that different families exist, and that classmates may live different realities is not sexual indoctrination. It is basic literacy about the world students already inhabit.A child does not become gay or transgender by exposure to information about LGBTQ families. Sexual orientation is rooted in neurodevelopmental processes that are not mediated by the brains executive or decisionmaking systems, and recognition of that reality in schools is not indoctrination.Silence is not neutrality. When schools are forbidden from acknowledging LGBTQ people, silence sends a clear message: that some students are inappropriate, unmentionable, or shameful. LGBTQ students hear that message. Children of LGBTQ parents hear it too. Silence is not protection. It is harm.Supporters of this legislation often insist it is narrowly tailored, but that claim does not withstand examination. The bills Senator Salmon has championed go far beyond optout rights. They ban discussion, instruction, or acknowledgment across broad grade levels and subject areas, creating a chilling effect on educators who fear penalties for even incidental references.That is not parental choice. That is statemandated erasure.This pattern mirrors legislation across the country that uses parental rights language as cover for excluding LGBTQ people from public life. Legal scholars and civil rights organizations have repeatedly warned that such laws are less about empowering families and more about enforcing ideological conformity.And this does not stop with LGBTQ people. It never does.This kind of legislation rarely stops with one targeted group. History shows that once the state begins policing which families are acceptable to acknowledge, the circle of exclusion only widens. This is not about protecting children. It is about policing who belongs.That is why this legislation aligns so closely with Christian nationalism, the belief that the government should enforce one religious interpretation as law. That belief runs directly counter to the founding principles of this country, which guarantee freedom of religion, not governmentimposed religion.The United States does not belong to one theology. Iowa does not belong to one ideology. And public schools do not exist to mirror the personal discomfort of a subset of parents who already have multiple alternatives available to them.No parent has the right to demand that other peoples children be kept ignorant so they can feel morally comfortable. No lawmaker has the right to erase marginalized students under the guise of choice.The realworld consequences of these policies are well documented: increased isolation, higher rates of bullying, and worse mentalhealth outcomes for LGBTQ youth. Educators are forced to selfcensor. Students are taught that some lives are acceptable to discuss and others are not.That is not leadership. It is governance by fear.Iowans are paying attention. Families are paying attention. Many of us, across faiths, political identities, and generations, are tired of lawmakers who divide communities instead of strengthening them.This legislation does not protect children. It harms them. And it is time we said so clearly, publicly, and without apology.

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