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: Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Time: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: RM 103

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

Comments Submitted:

02-05-2026

Rachel Gravert

Vote NO on HF2121. Passing will indirectly lead to sexual abuse and extremism (contact me for explanation and proof). We don't direct instruct this stuff in Iowa as is, but more laws just creates an antispeech/antifreethinking culture. This is my experience as a current public school teacher and former homeschooled child. Data supports this sort of Streisand Effect where ideas you think are bad get elevated more (because I assume you believe gay/trans is contagious? Tell me, are there way more lefthanded people now than the 1950s, or was it just not getting tracked back then due to 50s stigma? Same with LGBT).Problems even if "Yes" vote:"Instruction" is not defined in anysubsection (closest is instr. models and pedagogies in 28160.1(280). At least change the wording to "direct instruction." Also, 279.80 promises to define "gender identity" in 216.12. But 216.12 does not. P.S. Google Magnus Hirshfeld. Bad look to have the same agenda as a certain group who fought him...

02-04-2026

Erin Gill

All children are our children and our responsibility as a community is to protect them. Fact based education that supports all gender and sexual identities has empirical evidence of more successful outcomes. No child should carry shame for not falling into the cis gender, heteronormative mainstream. LGBTQ youth must know that they are also part of the normal human experience but their peers non LGBTQ peers also need to know this. There is no correct way to be human. Every one of us is on a spectrum for how we experience our gender and sexuality. Vote against this bill if you care about all kids. A vote for this bill is a reflection of moral failure.

02-04-2026

Linda Kelty

Keeping children in ignorance of the diversity of our world leaves them defenseless against predators. We are, even now, looking at heavily redacted files protecting predators in power. Curtailing the education of children and teens leaves them vulnerable to predation and abuse. Bullying and peer abuse will be on the rise as a consequence. If you vote yes for HF 2121 the damages incurred will lay directly at your door. Vote no on HF 2121. This bill is a false morality.

02-04-2026

David Anderson

None of these "don't say gay" bills are wise; treating scientific truth and basic reality as a secret usually is. (The only exception I know of is nuclear weapons, and that's arguable.) It makes no sense for younger children, and I can assure you that 7th through 12th graders are going to be quite aware of what this bill is attempting to suppress despite the suppression. Instead of suppression, we need to provide our students with the best researchbased information available on subjects that they are already aware of. Furthermore, the wording of this bill seems to imply that we will be unable to teach our students about corn or soybeans, since both plants are hermaphrodites (like 95% of all flowering plants).Finally, I would like to point out that Matthew 25:40 says "...I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."Surely hiding Jesus from our students is against your goals.

02-03-2026

Angela Gates

This prohibition risks denying students access to ageappropriate, factual information & undermines schools ability to support student wellbeing & safety. The vague language may also create an unintended effect of discouraging educators from responsibly addressing topics in health education, literature, or counseling.If we really take the language of the bill from a broad perspective, it also means that school dances, prom, Valentine's day events, homecoming king & queen, anything promoting a "straight agenda" should also be prohibited as those are gender identity & sexual orientation based.But that's certainly not the intention of this bill. This bill's sole purpose is to isolate the LGBTQ+ community.This will make it more difficult for students who need help to find answers. It means isolation and bullying. It means students can't find help when they may need it the most.Well rounded education includes acknowledging that not everyone is like everyone else.

02-03-2026

Grace Rogers

AGAINST. Again with the comments not transferring when a meeting is rescheduled (see attachment for 123 public comments left on original meeting)... 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.

Attachment

02-03-2026

Larissa Boeck

Strongly OPPOSED. As elected members of the house it is your job to represent the will of the people that voted you into your positions, and it is abundantly clear that Iowans do not want this bill. The Senate hearing for this bill (SF2003) was packed with Iowans opposing this bill. Their testimony was powerful and clearly explained how this bill is only harmful. The bill should have died then and there. HF2121 will contribute to brain drain driving talented, educated Iowans to take their skills to other states where they are celebrated and supported. It's high time we let professional educators do their job of 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 on HF 2121. Thank you.

02-03-2026

Cierra Payeur-Douglas

As a social worker who works closely with youth and families, I strongly oppose HF 2121 because silence does not protect students, it increases shame, isolation, and mental health struggles.Many students are already navigating questions about identity, belonging, and safety. When schools are prohibited from acknowledging sexual orientation or gender identity in ageappropriate ways, it sends a message that these students lives are inappropriate to discuss. That message can be deeply harmful.

02-03-2026

Kaylara Hoadley

I strongly oppose HF 2121.This bill does not protect students. It isolates them. As a caseworker, I see what happens when young people do not have safe spaces, trusted adults, or accurate information. For many kids, school is the only place they feel safe enough to ask questions and be honest about who they are.Banning discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity through high school forces silence where support is needed most. LGBTQ+ youth already face higher rates of bullying, depression, and suicide. Ignoring them does not make them safer. It makes them more vulnerable.This bill also uses vague political language that will scare educators into silence and leave students without guidance.As a parent, I want schools to prepare students for real life, not pretend it does not exist. Iowa should be focusing on issues that affect all Iowans and not culture wars.Vote no on HF 2121.

02-03-2026

Jodie Theobald

I strongly oppose this bill. Not only does it single out a group of students and exclude them from a valuable part of their education during these years, but it uses a political view and personal opinion to limit medical and scientific information being taught the public education system. It also has the potential to be harmful to both the education and mental health of Iowa students.

02-03-2026

Ilo Dryoel

STRONGLY OPPOSEThis will create a taboo environment in an already oppressive environment. As a queer high school senior... without proper education about gender and queer topics, it leads to further ignorance from the masses The Iowa legislators not only want to oppress queer people but make their new generation the most intolerant generation since pre2000.Without proper education and conversation about queerness, I would not be here... I know many people around me who are gay or transgender who would not be alive right now without the proper environment to learn and understand the queer experience.Iowa legislators are begging for LGBTQ kids to get hate crimed and at the most severe end commit suicide.

02-03-2026

Danielle Nordmeyer

Oppose HF2121 Tweens and teens are already navigating relationships, mental health challenges, and realworld responsibilities. Accurate information helps students make safer, healthier decisions.HF 2121 undermines that by broadly censoring any school content that touches on sexual orientation or gender identity, even when its factual or required under health education standards. Students are capable of critical thinking and deserve honest education. Removing information from classrooms doesnt eliminate reality; it just leave students without guidance.

02-03-2026

Katherine Bowler

I strongly oppose bill HF 2121. Students should be able to express their identity without fear of being censored. LGBTQA+ individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and not made to feel shame about being who they are through terrible legislation such as this. To discuss this bill any further is a waste of time and resources for so many other real problems Iowans are facing.

02-03-2026

Josie Moore

I am a school counselor and this bill, HF2121 directly impacts and harms our students. We are responsible for providing education and safety education to ALL students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. ALL students is key and we are ethically responsible as educators to serve and protect ALL students, including LGBTQ+ students. This bill directly harms students that don't always have people in their corner and are the most vulnerable.

02-03-2026

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.

02-03-2026

Gordie Felger

I oppose this bill. First, lawmakers claimed the law was needed to "protect children." OK, done for grades K6. Good job. Now you're saying that middle and high school kids are too young to learn about LGBTQ+ identities (many of whom identify as LGBTQ+ whether you acknowledge it or not). Where does it end?We should be teaching kids about the world as it is, not present them with a fantasy of your own imagination.BTW, the original law for grades K6 is being challenged in court right now. If the bill to extend the existing law to grades 712 passes, it will surely be challenged, too. Passing unconstitutional laws is not a good use of our tax dollars!

02-03-2026

Douglas Kollasch

Limiting students' exposure to factual information about the world around them is harmful and goes against the mission of schools to educate and prepare students to be contributing members of society. Gay and trans people exist. We have existed since the dawn of time. This bill will not change that. It will only serve to further divide our state, enabling more hatred and discrimination.

02-03-2026

Casey Reints

I oppose HF2121. Schools should be safe places where students can learn about relationships, identity, and the social world around them. Silencing discussion of LGBTQ topics does not protect students. It isolates them. Educators should not restricted from acknowledging the real lives and relationships that exist in society. Many LGBTQ students, and students with LGBTQ family members, will not see themselves and their families reflected in the classroom if this bill passes. Many students will not develop an awareness of and compassion for individuals and families that are different than their own.

02-03-2026

Heather Riley

I am strongly opposed to HF2121 wish legislators would craft legislation to benefit ALL Iowans. Any new legislation to further punish, diminish, and otherwise dismiss LGBTQ Iowans is wrong. Iowans in the LGBTQ community exist they always have and they always will. They cannot be legislated away. Our hardworking, overburdened educators don't need additional interference in their curriculum by legislators. Classroom curricula should be set by professional educators, not partisan lawmakers with a political agenda.

02-03-2026

Brigitte Mohler

Do not allow this bill to move beyond subcommittee. This bill harms children. We cannot continue to other children and persons who are different, we cannot continue to harbor resentments and fears between children and adults. Being who you are and being proud of it and learning as you go are great joys and part of the journey of being human.

02-03-2026

Missy Springsteen-Haupt

As a career Iowa educator, I strongly oppose this bill and all of the continued attacks on trans and gender nonconforming students. I urge the Iowa legislators who continue to waste time introducing legislation that further ostracizes LGBTQIA+ children to focus their energy on work that makes Iowa a better, more accepting place to raise ALL children. Queer people exist. Trying to make them illegal in Iowa schools is vile and does not improve our schools or our state; it only reveals the bigotry of those who are playing God by determining which humans are allowed to exist.

02-03-2026

Leah Otting

Once again, instead of addressing the critical problems facing Iowans, we are seeing bills put forward by our Republican representatives which only serve to further discriminate against gay and trans Iowans and to make life more difficult for our dedicated public educators.These bills are antieducation, period. Our public school teachers and staff are not pushing any kind of gender theory or sexual identity onto students; any education that exists surrounding these topics exists for the purpose of acknowledging the range of human identities that exist, to help students understand others, and to teach empathy and kindness towards each other. Please stop with the obsession about gender and sexual identity. Please stop wasting our time, tax dollars, and limited public education resources. Please say no to this bill and get working on things that actually benefit Iowans. Or, by all means, continue with this culture war crap and watch more and more people leave this state.

02-03-2026

Ronan Parker

I strongly oppose HF2121. This bill punishes and isolates vulnerable students who are questioning themselves and their identity. It prevents them from learning about sexual orientation and gender identity in a safe environment, and teaches them instead to feel shame towards themselves and their feelings. Refusing to speak about gender theory or sexual orientation does not make the concept of them and the people who fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella go away. We cannot allow our LGBTQ+ youth to feel as if they must hide, as if they are not welcomed, as if these parts of themselves are any less important than every other part of them. When we provide the resources and wording for questioning teens to discover and embrace who they are, it allows them to flourish and mitigates risk of mental health issues and suicidal ideation. Vote no on HF2121.

02-03-2026

Shara Stough

Vote NO on HF2121. I am an educator and a parent of a middle schooler and I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to HF2121. Topics of gender and sexuality are important developmental topics for kids and talking about them will never "turn" a straight kid gay or trans. What it will do is help kids be more understanding of their peers and help provide a safe space and accurate information for kids who might not have anywhere else to turn. I believe that curricula should be set by credentialed educators, who make decisions based on evidence and professional standards, not politicians exerting their own opinions and beliefs on others.

02-03-2026

Rick Phillips

Gender theory is exactly that theory! Its a theory that has proven to be disastrous to innocent impressionable minds. It has weakened and confused the next generation, which will not bode well for the future when these chickens come home to roost. Protections must be put in place statewide to protect children and their emotional wellbeing and mental health. This bill should also include penalties for adult professionals that unethically abuse minors with gender theory indoctrination. I urge the subcommittee to pass HF2121.

02-03-2026

Nicole VanderLinden

Please vote no, and please start focusing your time and our taxpayer dollars on issues that impact Iowans. You can try to erase LGBTQ people from education, but you'll never be able to erase them from public life, and it's a disservice to our children to pretend that is so.

02-03-2026

Audrey VanKamen

I oppose this bill because schools should be safe, supportive environments for all students. Legislation that creates fear, silence, or exclusion risks harming young people who already feel vulnerable. I urge lawmakers to prioritize policies that support student wellbeing, inclusion, and care.

02-03-2026

Nate Nims

Representative Hayes,As a United Methodist pastor, I am writing to express my opposition to HF2121.In my faith tradition, we strive to see all people with "sacred worth". Every single person deserves dignity and protection. Yet, when I look at this bill, I worry that we are moving away from that value. Schools should be places where all kids feel seen and safe, but by restricting information regarding gender identity and sexual orientation, we risk making some of our most vulnerable students feel like they don't belong.Beyond that, I believe our students are best served by the truth,even in conversations that some might believe difficult. Honest conversation, informed by educators and school professionals, ensures guidance rather than misinformation. I want our graduates to be respectful, wellrounded citizens who understand the world around them.

02-03-2026

Laura Blaser

As a lifelong resident of Iowa and the product of years of both public and private schooling, I am emphatically opposed to this proposed legislature. School curriculum should be designed and determined by our professional educators, not our politicians. Hiding certain realities behind such a nonsensical veil as HF2121 is not going to prepare our students for adult life in the world beyond school. A student is not required to change their worldview, but should be capable of (and trusted with) handling a variety of topics, even if they find them personally challenging. These types of laws only serve to restrict and hinder our educators, at a time when they need increased resources and support the most. Please vote no and stop any forward action on HF2121 and leave education to the educators.

02-03-2026

Christine Gookin

I am AGAINST THIS BILL. As a nurse, a healthcare advocate, and mental health worker, this bill would undermine the health and wellbeing of students in grades 712 based on the personal beliefs and opinions of legislators. Providing scientific information regarding sex, sexuality, and gender does not make anyone straight or gay, but will help build understanding and acceptance. Allowing this to happen within the school setting gives students a safe space to learn age appropriate and correct information. Passing this bill will not keep kids from learning about or knowing they are gay or trans, but may cause them to receive incorrect information from other sources

02-03-2026

Deidre Wahlin

Reject HF 2121Expanding 'don't say gay' to 712 graders who are nearly adults undermines their abilities to use factual information to make safe and healthy decisions using critical thinking when they are already navigating real world responsibilities. Iowa law already requires researchbased and appropriate health and human growth education. This doesn't protect children, it leaves them without guidance.

02-03-2026

Anthony Andrews

I am strongly opposed to HF 2121 as a transgender child in High School. I already am made to feel like in many circumstances that I'm an outsider due to my identity, and to take away the little representation I receive in my education would only make it worse. Age appropriate lessons that include queer people helps children like me see themselves in what they're learning. It makes kids feel seen, which is important and a sentiment I've heard appreciated among my peers. These lessons can also teach empathy to kids, and can teach them to not be discriminatory towards someone because they're different. While my community is thankfully very accepting of me, many are not as lucky, and I still often face discrimination and ignorance for my gender. Lessons discussing queer identity will teach and inform people and creates less of that ignorance that's harnessed to create the negativity directed towards me and others in a similar situation. Because of this, I am against bill HF 2121.

02-03-2026

Kristi Waller

Strongly oppose this!!! All Iowans need to be represented in our state. Students need a safe place to learn and ask questions. This doesnt mean student will turn gay or become trans. IT MEANS THAT STUDEMTS SRE INFORMED!

02-03-2026

Dylan Nielsen

I was not out until college and have had to overcome a lot of self loathing because of it. Had there been any talk about lgbtq and such as I grew up I might have known that I am not alone and would have not had such thoughts that I am an alien or weird. I still deal with some self loathing today that could have been healthy self love. 1 in 4 high schoolers identify as LGBTQ+. 3.3% identify as trans. Dont let them suffer a similar fate. Let them be happy. Say no to this bill.

02-03-2026

Jim Young

Please vote no on HF2121!This and other attempts to take away the identity of a student who is LGBTQ+ is not only hateful, but it is disrespectful and discriminatory! Students are very aware of their identity and are able to express themselves in a positive and healthy way when our schools are a supportive and welcoming environment. The increase in suicide rates when students are not able to be accepted, loved, supported, and free to express themselves is frightening. Iowas schools and our community, the state as well, should not be legislating hate, harm, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ students. Our state needs to focus on solving real problems rather than trying to push an agenda of hate and discrimination! Vote no to this expansion of the current law!

02-03-2026

A. Johnson

I am strongly opposed to HF 2121. It has been proven time and time again that making people aware of the existence of LGBTQ people does not change or convert their gender or sexuality. The only thing that this bill will accomplish is to stigmatize queer people, when the reality is they are just people like you or me.

02-03-2026

Diana Sickles

I strongly oppose HF2121 It is not the business of the legislature to stigmatize those who understand themselves to be part of the LGBTQ community. This is a very private and personal issue for individuals and their families, not the State to legislate the educational system that in any way delegitimatizes a student.

02-03-2026

Heather Schott

Opposed.Limiting factual learning wont change our children and who they are. I grew up without this information and it didnt make me straight, just left me alone. Our economy is in the dumps, our farmers are going bankrupt and our water sources are causing cancer rates to sore. Lets get to work on real problem Iowa has.

02-03-2026

Jane Robinette

I OPPOSE HF2121, which would take current restrictions on elementary schools' ability to have materials and programs, etc., on LGBTQ+ issues and people, and expand these restrictions to middle and high schools. Erasing groups of people is not okay at any grade level, but especially for these higherlevel grades, including this information could make a real difference in students' lives. Instead, this law would ban the inclusion of certain students and families in curricula and more. Middle and high school students are mature enough to learn about the existence of LGBTQ people; they most likely know some or ARE them. Bills like this are completely inappropriate; the current law on K6 is still tied up in the courts, all the more reason this bill should be set aside. Curricula should be set by trained, professional teachers not partisan politicians. Please vote no on HF2121 and leave LGBTQ Iowa youth and families alone!

02-03-2026

Kaitlyn Smith

Please oppose SF 2121. As someone who went to a high school whose curriculum failed to acknowledge LGBTQ+ people, I was confused and lost. All of the things proponents of this bill claim happen when LGBTQ+ people are actually discussed in high schools. As others have noted in the comments,ageappropriate, evidance based education about LGBTQ+ experiences exists and is healthy for chidlren. My high school experience would have phenomenally been better if I had learned about what being queer actually was and not the hateful story that popular culture claimed it was. As for the legality of this bill: this blatantly discriminates against LGBTQ+ people. It writes a narrative that completely erases LGBTQ+ people from existence. We exist. We are here. And we will not disappear... no matter how much proponents of the bill want that. Please do not fall for the fearmongering. Do your research. And help ALL kids feel safe and accepted at school. Please vote no.

02-03-2026

Rachael Tinker

This bill goes against edvidencebased, developmentally appropriate practices, and agould not be passed. Political motivations should not dictate school curriculum. Professional educators armed with evidence based practices should determine curriculum. Moreover, this bill is cruel and unkind to students who are LGBT+ or who have friends and family members who are LGBT+.

02-03-2026

KATIE GRANT [KATIE GRANT LCPC, LLC]

I am appalled that any legislator would want to harm children, and that is exactly what laws like these do. Children have direct access to a world FULL of harmful misinformation; put into their brains in a school system that demonizes them chained by a state and federal government who want to erase them, or their parents, loved ones, or friends, this is why LGBTQ+ humans are much more likely to try ending their own lives, and why the research says having a supportive family cuts their very high suicide risk in half. It works both ways, those numbers. This law and those like it then doubles suicide risk in a population (adolescents) where suicide is already the third leading cause of death (behind accidents, some of which are undoubtedly suicidal in nature, and homicides). Isn't the nature of governmental oversight in schools supposed to be protecting children? Providing a safe environment to learn from? This is atrocious. Please vote against moving forward. From a Licensed Counselor

02-03-2026

Damian Williams

I vehemently oppose this bill. It is not only a gross mismanagement of political time and expense, but it is directly against what the majority of Iowans want to focus on. You've already stripped away civil rights for trans Iowans, and some of those same politicians continue now to attack the most marginalized. This outright aggression toward LGBTQ+ Iowans has to stop. Focus on clean water, public education, and livable wages not further driving out those of us born and raised here who once were proud to call Iowa home.

02-03-2026

Lynne Porter

VOTE NO on HF2121Iam really tired of Iowa politicians wasting their time on anti lgbtq legislation. Let educators make decisions in the classroom. Let children learn about the real world.Stop trying to persecute the lgbtq community.

02-03-2026

Darrell VanWoert

HF2121: Is this necessary? I've known too many young people that are singled out for "differences". Bullied, pushed aside and made to feel terrible about who they are. Why do we need to codify this bad behavior into Iowa law by pulling away what could be positive education. Iowans should be striving to help, not harm. I am opposed to this proposal. This proposal will never do what it intends to do...people will work around it and you really can't enforce it without damaging lawsuits and constitutional questions. Thanks for counting my opposition.

02-03-2026

Layne Pieri

HF 2121 would ban all K12 instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity, expanding the current K6 restriction to every grade. Iowa law already allows teens as young as 16 to consent to sexual activity, recognizing their autonomy in situations with serious consequences like pregnancy or STIs. Yet minors cannot consent to most medical decisions and rely on schools for accurate health information. Restricting instruction leaves older teens with legal responsibility but no access to the information they need to stay safe. This gap creates inconsistency and risks harming students who are already navigating adulthoodlevel decisions. I urge you to reconsider HF 2121 to maintain clarity, safety, and coherence in Iowas laws.

Attachment

02-04-2026

Eleigh Davis

I am strongly against this bill. As a member of the LGBTQ community and future social worker, this bill will hurt more than it will help. I grew up in a more conservative environment and for me not having that information it was hard and still is currently hard, for me to process being a part of that community. This bill would shelter kids away from real world people and problems.

02-03-2026

Maddi Sieck

I am a former Family & Consumer Sciences (Home Ec) teacher, I taught parenting for 6 years to over 900 students in Iowa. Banning the LGBTQIA+ identity from schools will not make it disappear. The Queer Community is beautiful and accepting, because some people seek to push a moral agenda into public spaces, this community has to constantly argue for their rights in a multitude of ways. Bills like this one aim to hide people, neighbors, citizens, community leaders it aims to ERASE people from our state. When we start to censor schools we lose freedoms, history, learning, we lose TRUTH. Do not vote for this bill to please a small group who would erase, ignore, and demean an entire beautiful, kind, and accepting community. The people who aim to ERASE will never be pleased. Queer Iowans have every right to a full and enriching public education. Students should be so lucky to learn about this incredible community. Our liberties we prize & our rights we WILL maintain. Represent us all.

02-03-2026

Chris Gibbons

STRONGLY OPPOSED. HF2121 is a terrible bill, just as its sister bill SF2003 was a terrible bill. Stop trying to legislate people out of existence. It doesn't work and it won't stop them from being your friends and neighbors. You are on the wrong side of history and should be ashamed of yourselves. This is pure partisan politics and not the will of the people you claim to represent.

02-03-2026

Jeffrey Anderson [Iowa Conference United Methodist Church]

We are strongly opposed to this bill. Denying age appropriate, factually accurate information regarding gender and sexual orientation for students in grades 712 would result in this knowledge gap more likely being filked with misinformation, biases, and negative stereotypes. This would do harm to all students but would be particularly harmful and dangerous to LGBTQ students. We would ask you to please reject this bill.

02-03-2026

Nate Sturtz

I beyond words, oppose this legislation.Restricting the curriculum of educational institutions is not only detrimental but also poses a significant risk to society.As an individual who was raised without exposure to LGBTQ+ and gender identity education, I lacked the understanding of my own identity until later in life when I discovered that there was nothing inherently wrong with meI simply am who I am.Individuals who support this legislation are not deserving of office as they fail to serve the interests of all their constituents.

02-03-2026

Lindsey Murdock

Strongly opposed. All students and their diverse families deserve representation and acceptance in our public schools. This bill aims to create an environment of exclusion which can only lead to dangerous rhetoric and environments against a population of people that belong to a beautiful, diverse and loving community. Our students also deserve access to educational materials that support their diverse needs and represent them. As an educator and a parent, I implore you to not no.

02-03-2026

N H

Strongly against. There is no reason to deny 712 graders access to this information. They know that gay and trans people exist, preventing them from talking about it in school won't change that, it only prevents them from learning factual information about it. Stop wasting time and money on pointless efforts like this.

02-03-2026

Peg Phelps

How does a person single out a society and say it doesnt exist? This bill should not have even been written. Think about what you are trying to do to thousands of Iowans. As a former teacher, the lack of empathy shown by this congress is shameful. Vote no, and keep some dignity.

02-03-2026

Madi Brauer

If we don't give our students all of the relevant information they need, where do you think they're going to learn it?A likely option is the internet that's filled with unreliable sources, misinformation, and inappropriate content. Our students need the guidance of our education system to understand the reality of the world. People of different identities have previously, currently and will continue to exist. Telling schools not to say "Gay" or refer to the diverse the gender spectrum doesn't make these communities go away. Open conversations promote authenticity and selfawareness. I'm pretty sure we can all agree that's exactly what we want for our kids.To grow into their true self.

02-03-2026

Patty Waters

I strongly oppose this bill. Kids have every right to be provided the information they need to help them understand themselves and others. It is in not knowing and understanding that kids become confused, depressed and suicidal. The place to learn about these things is in a safe environment where they can ask questions and feel like they are not alone.

02-03-2026

Jane Kobler

I strongly oppose expanding this initiative that discriminates against GLBTQ members of the community. Expanding the censorship to High School students is nothing more than legislative bigotry. Teach students HOW to think, not WHAT to think. Allow them access to full/open discussions of topics that are critical to a healthy society.

02-03-2026

Tomas DeSantiago

Denying kids information about the world and human condition will not serve them well when they enter the workforce or higher education. The answer to the perceived excesses of some individuals on these topics isnt sufficient justification to ban speech or education related to these topics.

02-03-2026

Patty Waters

02-03-2026

Cheryl Scherr [Retired ]

Kids are not unaware that there are LGBTQ people in this world. Why not teach them age appropriate issues. Just like sex, there is a huge amount of misinformation about LGBTQ people. If Dick and Jane didn't convince me that my role was a house wife, why would LGTBQ teaching steer people in that direction.

02-03-2026

Robin Brewer

OPPOSED!As an Iowa voter and constituent, I am writing to express my strong opposition to HF2121. This bill is a direct assault on the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students in our schools.Seventh through twelfth graders are already navigating complex relationships and mental health challenges. By restricting information regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, you are not protecting childrenyou are leaving them without necessary guidance and increasing their vulnerability to bullying and isolation. This bill isolates LGBTQ+ students, creating a hostile environment that increases the risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide. It erases the existence of a specific group of people from the curriculum, rather than preparing students for the real world. Curricula should be determined by professional educators, not by statesanctioned censorship.This is just another bill that wastes taxpayers money. Do something useful instead of taking away your constituents rights. Vote NO!

02-03-2026

Suzanne Miller [- None -]

Vote NO on this bill. Why are we continuing to demonize the most vulnerable students in our communities? When I moved to Iowa 45 years ago, the state was a progressive place to live. Let's keep it that way! We need to be accepting of all our Iowa citizens.

02-03-2026

Gloria Zmolek

As a mother and a retired educator, I feel that this bill is wrong on multiple levels. In this day of the Internet there is no way you can keep your child from being exposed to anything. Keeping information out of the schools to protect students is only going to result in getting information on the internet where they have no adult guidance.Also, whatever beliefs one may hold, there are gay and trans kids in our school. Think of the pain and suffering this bill would inflict on those kids. We are all children of God so we need to respect all humans regardless of our differences. With the establishment of Charter schools, parents are free to send their children to those schools where they only teach what beliefs the parents hold. I believe in the right of every person to hold their own beliefs but they need to know that beliefs are not truths. All are free to believe that gay and trans people are sinners but the rest of us who believe otherwise need to have our beliefs respected.

02-03-2026

Amy Stickrod

Strongly oppose!! Here we go with the shenanigans.This bill is just going to drive more people out of Iowa. You have more important business to do. Let's address the highest rising cancer rate in the country, poor economy, low economic growth rate, lack of rural health care. I could go on and on. Do something good for this state for a change. Gay people won't make your kids gay, but stupid people will make your kids stupid.

02-03-2026

Angelica Vannatta

Removing gender theory or sexual orientation from discussion in academics doesnt make them disappear. But it does create environments that fail to prepare students for a global workforce, where people from around the world recognize that not everyone fits into a binary. It also creates environments where LGBTQ+ students feel unwelcome and marginalized.

02-03-2026

Laura Calkins

I strongly oppose HF2121. Please stop spending time & tax payer dollars on trying to further threaten the LGBTQ+ community with the MAGA Republicans racist rhetoric. We need legislation that actually helps Iowans. How do you sleep at night?

02-03-2026

AM Racila

I strongly oppose HF 2121. It's heartbreaking to see yet another proposed bill whose only purpose is to further marginalize already vulnerable Iowans. Leave curricula development to educators with expertise in developmentally appropriate and evidencebased approaches to learning, which are clear on the harms of withholding accurate information from LGBTQ+ young people.

02-03-2026

Jesse Lundvall

Strongly oppose this bill! Iowa has greater concerns and frankly inclusiveness makes Iowa a more appealing and desirable location to reside. As Iowans we are concerned about affordable housing, day cares costs, property taxes, rising cancer rates, recreational lakes that are not able to be used due to bacteria and pollutants. Gay people are not a threat to our state or our childrens education. Limiting their education to real world topics will harm our children. Get your project 2025 agenda out of Iowa, Iowans dont want it and midterms will prove this.

02-03-2026

Tom O'Donnell

OPPOSE I urge you to vote NO on this bill. It would prohibit factbased, researchsupported education about people students see every day. Acknowledging the existence of Gay and Trans Iowans isn't "indoctrinating" students. It's facing reality. It's encouraging understanding rather than fear and hate.

02-03-2026

Stacy Volmer

I strongly oppose HF 2121. This bill would block ageappropriate instruction and resources related to gender identity and sexual orientation for students in grades 712, directly harming student mental health.LGBTQ+ youth already face higher rates of bullying, depression, anxiety, and suicide. Schools play a critical role in providing accurate information, supportive environments, and trusted adults. Silencing these topics does not protect students, it increases isolation and risk.This bill sends a dangerous message that some students identities are unacceptable and unworthy of acknowledgment. Iowa should be investing in student wellbeing and mental health supports, not policies that worsen harm. HF 2121 should be rejected.

02-03-2026

Kelly Green

This bill must be opposed please do not approve of or pass this bill.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 you to oppose this bill and support policies that respect educators and focus on student learning rather than a current fad of political ideology.

02-03-2026

Maria Taylor

I am submitting this comment to oppose the proposed expansion of the socalled Dont Say Gay bill, which would censor classroom discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity through 12th grade. High school students deserve honest, ageappropriate education that reflects the realities of their lives. Silencing these topics does not protect students it leaves them without guidance, accurate information, or trusted adults during critical developmental years.This proposal undermines educators and harms students, especially LGBTQ+ youth, by promoting fear and exclusion rather than learning and support. Schools should be places where all students feel safe, respected, and prepared for the real world. I urge lawmakers to reject this harmful expansion and stand up for inclusive, ageappropriate education for Iowa students.

02-03-2026

R schroeder

What happened to Welcome to Iowa? Seems legislators arent focused on fixing the problems staring their constituents everyday in the face. If its really about protecting children youd make sure schools could give free breakfast and lunch so no child is hungry. Evidently youre more about censoring what children think than making sure they understand the world and the many differences between people whether its sexual identification, racial or religious.

02-03-2026

Jake Rochford-Volk

STRONGLY OPPOSE! Such a bill would create a hostile learning environment and DIRECTLY contributed to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Such a bill would osteicize students, marginalize families, and censor educators. Vote NO.

02-03-2026

Eloise Cranke

I urge you to strongly oppose HF2121! This bill would prohibit instruction, information, or even questions about gender identity and sexual orientation for students K 12. Students, especially Middle and High School students are very concerned about these things and need a safe place to discuss them. Public schools should be that place. Further, issues about curriculum should be made by professional educators, not politicians. Please vote NO on HF 2121.

02-03-2026

Katie Priske

I strongly oppose this bill as both an educator and a mother. LGBTQ Iowans should be fully supported. I want my daughter to go to school in a state where that is the case. Curriculum should be set by professional educators, not politicians with a partisan agenda.

02-03-2026

Rebeka Bohrer

Strongly oppose HF2121. We need to be spending time and resources on things that provide value to Iowans and this is not it! It further stigmatizes LGBTQA+ and is not conducive to providing thorough education. School should be a safe place to learn for all students and grades 712 are more than capable of learning about sexuality and differences in sexual orientation. Education not oppression.

02-03-2026

Rebeka Bohrer

02-03-2026

Chelsea Wachholz

I am writing as a concerned Iowan to express my strong opposition to HF2121. This bill is deeply personal to me, and I believe its passage would have a devastating impact on our students, families, and the quality of education in our state.Expanding restrictions on classroom discussions creates an environment where many students, particularly those from LGBTQ+ families, feel their own lives are a "taboo" topic. When a childs family cant be acknowledged in school, it sends a heartbreaking message that they don't belong. I am also incredibly worried about the safety of our students; when we censor these topics, it often leads to more bullying and leaves teachers feeling like they can't step in to help.Our schools should be preparing students for the real world. A complete education shouldn't erase historical realities or the diverse experiences they will encounter once they graduate.Im really passionate about this because I want Iowa to be a place where every student feels safe.

02-03-2026

Terri Gordy

I oppose HF2121 and respectfully ask that you vote NO on this legislation. When one of our family members came out as transgender at her Iowa public school, she asked her teachers to use her chosen name. She felt comfortable making this request because she had received instruction relating to gender identity and sexual orientation at her school. 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 LG

02-03-2026

Luke Conner

Oppose HF2121. I'm a father of 2 school aged children. My oldest attends high school in Iowa and deserves an educational environment that encourages questions, not censorship. This bill does nothing to help educate our children.

02-03-2026

Nickole Miller

I strongly oppose HF2121. As a proud Des Moines Public School parent, I want my childs education to reflect the real worldand that includes the LGBTQ+ community. Our curriculum and health programs should acknowledge and celebrate our the diverse identities and histories. Silence isnt neutral; its a statement. Restricting these discussions tells students that being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is something to hide. That message fuels bullying and deepens the isolation. Public schools have a responsibility to maintain a safe, inclusive environment for every student. This bill threatens that mandate and creates an information vacuum. We need schools that protect all students and encourage free thought. This bill does the opposite. For my child and for our community, please vote no.

02-03-2026

Conor Rezabek

I strongly oppose HF2121 and urge you to vote against this bill. Voting this into law will hurt more Iowans than it would ever possibly help. Barring broad topics within schools only makes it harder for students and teachers alike to navigate real world realities. LGBTQ+ individuals will still exist, and denying Iowans an education on LGBTQ+ topics will only leave them worse off than those who were able to be taught them. I ask you again, why are we taking education out of our schools? Why are we removing curriculm that would benefit Iowans? This places an unnecessary hurdle that will harm our children. Iowa's schools used to rank highly in our nation, and have since dropped. I find it hard to believe that this bill would reverse that change and instead would exacerbated it. We want our children educated so they can enter the rest of their lives with the support they need to succeed. This bill will not change reality, it will only make us more ignorant to it. Vote against HF2121.

02-03-2026

Pamela Shafer

I strongly oppose HF2121. Please vote no. Our adult gay son would have given anything if he and his fellow students had been given the opportunity to learn about sexual orientation and gender identity. Please don't deny our current and future students this chance.

02-03-2026

Betty Stiefel [retired speech/language pathologist]

OPPOSEPlease vote no to this harmful bill. Iowa's children need a safe space at school to become the best persons they can be. Living as part of the LGBTQ+ community is not an "ideology" or a "lifestlye". It's not a choice. It IS a choice to discriminate against them, or try to erase their existence.

02-03-2026

Amy Luebbert

Please oppose HF2121. Students deserve access to ageappropriate, factual information. Professionally trained educators should make decisions about curriculum, not legislators. Queer people have always existed and will continue to. There is nothing shameful or wrong about being queer or trans. Sending much love to the LGBTQ+ folks reading this!!

02-03-2026

Courtney Collier

SUPPORT HF 2121Our minor aged students should not be exposed to sexual orientation or gender theory curriculum or discussions during learning time at school. These are topics that are sensitive and with views unique to each family. These are topics not within the realm of what parents are looking for when sending their children for education. I dont want teachers discussing sexual preferences and ideologies with my children.

02-03-2026

Eleanor Glewwe

I strongly oppose HF 2121. School curricula should be set by educational professionals and local school boards, not politicians. Moreover, this bill sends a terrible message to LGBTQ+ 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.

02-03-2026

Michaela Tighe

I oppose HF 2121. As a parent and community member, I am deeply concerned about legislation that restricts honest, age appropriate education for middle and high school students. Teens need accurate information and supportive environments to stay safe, healthy, and engaged in school.This bill places educators in an impossible position and sends a message to LGBTQ+ students that their lives and experiences are inappropriate to acknowledge. Thats not protectionits erasure. I urge the committee to reject HF 2121 and respect educators, families, and students.

02-03-2026

Jenny Smothers

I oppose this bill because it isolates certain students and limits their access to a meaningful portion of their education. It also prioritizes political viewpoints over objective, evidencebased medical and scientific instruction. This approach risks harming both the quality of education and the mental health of students across Iowa.

02-03-2026

Lelouch Lamperouge

Obviously I am opposed to HF2121 for MANY reasons. I have been opposed to this whole "Don't Say Gay/Trans" Bill for a long time now. We're basically just copying FLorida and Texas. This very bill goes against the fabric of Iowa as a state. We USED to be number one in the nation when it came to education. But bassackward bills such as this and many others have thrown a wrench in that...As well as backwards politicians not listening to what Iowans actually want or need. You guys represent US! Who is asking for this bill? Nobody. We just want to be able to buy groceries without breaking the bank, earn an affordable livable wage so we can pay for food, rent, and bills. Also this bill is creating further stigma against LGBTQ+ students...As if their own state hasn't passed enough hateful legislation already to try to tell them that who they are as people is wrong. And that by itself is wrong. This bill SHOULD NOT make it out of subcommittee for obvious reasons. NO on HF2121. This bill sucks!

02-03-2026

Battler Ushiromiya

Once again, I oppose this bill! This bill goes against everything that Iowa stands for...or at least USED TO STAND for. What is the point in censoring students and keeping them from gender identity/sexual orientation? It harms nobody. Talking about being gay doesn't make somebody gay. You are either gay or you are not. Same with being transgender. And not being able to voice these thoughts and talk to a teacher or school counselor about these things will lead to further isolation. High school is already hard enough without throwing this in there. Again, we could be working on bills that would actually HELP Iowans and make our lives better. But instead junk like this is being brought up AGAIN. This JUnk is being brought up again because our legislators seem to want to pass hateful legislation instead of working for the people of Iowa. That, in my opinion is disgusting. And apparently the first round of comments didn't transfer? Why is that exactly? Obviously opposed to this junk bill.

02-03-2026

Deb Barrett

Why is even $1 of Iowa taxpayers dollars being spent on HF121?! This bill in NO WAY benefits Iowa students, its only harmful. Are you worried that by discussing LGTBQ+ topics that the students will catch being gay like they would a cold? Maybe an art class discussing the famous Iowa artist Grant Wood, who was gay, would make the students gay. Thats not the way it works! the Dont say gay approach only isolates students, students that have bright futures ahead of them if we dont push them aside in a closet. Students maybe LGBTQ+ themselves, have parents or friends parents that are. Give the students facts. Teach the students acceptance of all people. Maybe you could focus on supporting our farmers, helping our economy, making sure all of our kids have enough to eat or helping our water and environment to hopefully reduce Iowas cancer rates. Now those would be a good use of taxpayer dollars. Dont just vote NO, vote HECK NO! Vote AGAINST HF 2121!!!!

02-03-2026

Jack Goodman

This bill would not stop queer kids from existing; it would stop them from existing safely. Teachers should be able to offer them support and resources, and QueerStraightAlliance type of clubs help them build community with their peers. This is a serious case of government overreach, drafted by national special interest groups, and it has no place in Iowa. We must treasure every single person who resides there and the different perspectives they bring to the table. Vote NO.

02-03-2026

Loulwa Soweid

This is a despicable bill that will not help ANYONE in the slightest, and anyone pretending it is being proposed for the safety or protection of children is at best completely ignorant and at worse intentionally malicious. LGBTQ+ Iowans exist, have always existed, will always exist, and blatantly erasing their existence is detestable. You seriously need to focus on actually doing your jobs and helping Iowans ESPECIALLY vulnerable, marginalized communities that have been historically oppressed, and instead you waste your time attacking them and furthering discrimination against them??

02-03-2026

Jack Sparrow

Obviously I oppose this junk legislation. Y'all could be actually working on legislation that could help Iowans. This could be a bill that could help make groceries more affordable, help Iowans earn a more livable wage, raising the minimum wage, actually demand that affordable housing be built here in Des Moines and in Iowa in general, and these are just a drop in the bucket. Instead, you decided to waste people's time by making the subject of LGBTQ+ people forbidden to talk about in schools/grades K12. But guess what?! It doesn't stop LGBTQ+ PEOPLE from existing. We're still here. As if high school isn't hard enough without adding this crap to the mix. This bill will further isolate LGBTQ+ students when they need that support the most. How dare you even consider passing this extension to an already heinous bill that shouldn't have been passed? Ya'll happy with yourselves? Jesus wouldn't pass this legislation. Jesus loves everybody and would want everyone to be supported.

02-03-2026

Jennifer Gardner

I'm extremely opposed to this bill. This is government overreach. The state shouldn't be telling teachers what they can talk about! Ignoring people's sexuality doesn't make it go away. People deserve honesty, especially young adults in school. Having trusted adults saves young people's lives.

02-03-2026

Sora Dearinger

As a transgender Iowan who is already scared enough to live in this state, I strongly OPPOSE THIS BILL! I oppose this bill on the grounds that it will make an already vulnerable group even more vulnerable to hatred, violence and discrimination. We have already seen enough hateful legislation pass through the State House that targets LGBTQ+ Iowans in a negative way. And not being able to talk about LGBTQ+ content is just even more censorship that is happening in our schools. Students already can't learn proper history or have had books banned from their school libraries. It is absolutely DISGUSTING that this legislation is even being considered, let alone it having a subcommittee. Yet ya'll could be working on legislation to actually help Iowans. But you guys won't do that. You guys got to legislate your hate at the State Level and keep attacking the LGBTQ+ community. STop it! It's disgusting! Diversity is strength! We benefit from being diverse and multilayered. Stop passing junk hate!

02-03-2026

Sara Parris

So what, one lawsuit isn't enough? At no point did you geniuses ever stop to think that gee, maybe since SF 496, which has been enjoined virtually since its passing in 2023, is such a legal mess, maybe we should NOT try and pass the same bill for the higher grades? Seriously, what an absolute waste of our taxpayer dollars.Your intent is clear. You want to put your homophobia into law. You claim to care about protecting children, but you don't care what happens to those LGBTQ children, or the children of LGBTQ parents, or about anyone else who has the honor of loving an LGBTQ person.This bill must not pass. Vote NO.

02-03-2026

Sharon Lake

I am writing to oppose HF 2121. Outlawing any discussion or recognition of a significant portion of our population is unwarranted. Many families have LGBTQ members. This needs to be reflected in the materials students read and discuss in the classroom. Students in grades 712 have reached puberty. They are starting to engage in sexual conduct. They are curious. Conversation in the classroom is not meant to replace guidance from parents, but it is meant to supplement and offer a space in which a range of identities and behaviors are acknowledged and validated. Deleting any mention of gender or sexual orientation in grades 712 does a disservice to our students and to their families. Please vote no.

02-03-2026

Karene Nagel

You are going beyond reasonable bounds, when you seek to keep any & all discussion of gayness from high school students. High school students need to be educated & prepared for life every and all aspects of it. If they cannot see, hear and know the whole of what life outside of school is then you are giving them a subpar education! Iowa's education system used to be the model for the whole country. Today with years of unfunding, and some ridiculous restrictive legislation like this bill you've tanked Iowa education for our students. It's shameful how far we've fallen, and this bill if passed will be your lastest nail in our coffin. Families are leaving Iowa, and our youth drain to other states is historic! Why would you add insult to injury?! I'm already ashamed to say where I'm from! Iowa is just hog Cafos, corn and cancer. I know we can Do Better, because we used to be Better & so much more. Say NO to this bill.

02-03-2026

Taylor Toohill

VOTE NO on this bill. Even ignoring the obvious harm that this bill would cause by attempting to erase LGBTQ people, this bill serves no purpose. It is a solution looking for a problem. You just want to be able to go on Fox News, Newsmax, etc. and say you put a stop to "woke radical gender theory indoctrination in schools" or some other scary buzzword sandwich.Stop using children as vehicles for your bigotry

02-03-2026

Jean Swenson [Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA)]

I am opposed to HF2121. As a National Board Certified Tacher, now retired, I am well aware that students in grades 7 12 have many questions, and want adults to be honest and frank with them. Having professionals, trained in developmentally appropriate practices, comfortable in discussing sexual orientation/gender identity NEEDS to happen when the emphasis can be on facts, not fiction. To prohibit conversations is unfair to the kids who do not identity as cisgender. Schools have never been in the business of making kids feel as if they are "less than", or misfits, capable of being completely disregarded in their schools. Our students are counting on us to treat each student as though they are valued, and are safe in their school. Please stop filing this hurtful bills. They are distractions from the real business of the Iowa Legislature.

02-03-2026

Jan Libbey

I'm writing to urge legislators to vote HF 2121 down.Leadership that continues to advance the unfortunate narrative that "we should just have our schools address the basics" is wildly out of touch with the lived experience at schools.It's been emphasized that schools are often the only "safe" place for students to be who they are. The suicide risk is high for the LGBTQ+ population and denying teacher, administrator ability to acknowledge these growing young adults is a pathetic assertion of narrow view points and risks accelerating that tragic result. I trust youth are strong and resilient, but a state that encodes language that denies the existence of certain segments of the school population is wrong.This bill puts students at risk, underestimates student capacity to navigate complex ideas and information, puts your legislative initiatives in the cross hairs of judicial appeal, and overides the trained experts in the classroom who are there to support ALL students.

02-03-2026

Sydney Landstrom

Iowas education systems should provide children with the knowledge and resources to live fully themselves and in society. This bill sets children up for failure. Prohibiting education on gender theory and sexual orientation is indoctrination. It will harm our children.

02-03-2026

Teresa Wellman

Please vote NO on this bill. This continued assault on reality by this legislature does absolutely nothing to address our budget concerns, our awful state of water safety with all the nitrates, and the oligarchs trying to commandeer Iowa lands for their own profit. Please direct your energy and time to bills that will truly help Iowa. Dont continue to push our children back into the previous century. Young people are entering their period of selfexamination and puberty in grades 712. There is no valid reason to hide from biological variation. Their classrooms and trusted educators should be safe places for questions as sometimes home is not. Please please please vote NO.

02-03-2026

Lisa Martincik

Absolutely opposed. Whom does this help? What actual issue does it address? Nobody and nothing. But it will damage the population you claim to protect and promote an ignorance we can little afford.Please craft bills addressing your constituents many extant issues instead of writing fanfiction for yourselves. Its not about you.

02-03-2026

Doris Nash

I oppose this legislation. Students need to be taught facts, not beliefs or dogma. LGBTQIA+ people are part of our communities and are here to stay, and students should learn the facts and not some prejudicial dont say gay nonsense.

02-03-2026

Kelly Danilson

STRONGLY oppose. We need bills that strive for unity, not division. We need bills that allow for the inclusion and the safety of our students, loved ones, and neighbors. This bill is NOT it. This bill will cause more harm to the LGBTQ+ community. If a student wants an answer to questions, the internet is at their fingertips. I would much rather a student get their information from a qualified educator with reliable resources vs. a random blogger spewing false narratives, hate, and discrimination. My question is, where is your data to warrant a bill such as this? Actual, transparent, factual data vs. subjective opinions from some who are quick to judge and cancel their fellow Iowans? Leaders, please lead with compassion and vote NO.

02-03-2026

Jessica Clark

Children should not be denied information about human beings. They will not be blind to the fact that the LGBT community exists. Many of them have parents, brothers, sisters, and other family members who do not identify as heterosexual and/or cisgender. This bill discriminates against families.

02-03-2026

VALERIE BILLING

I strongly oppose this legislation. Our kids and teenagers need a safe place to learn real facts about the complexities of human gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation, and school is the only safe and factbased setting many of these young people have access to. If students cannot learn facts in school, they will look for them on the internet, and that opens the door for the spread of dangerous misinformation. Schools must remain places of learning and freedom, not places where kids and teenagers are afraid to ask questions.

02-03-2026

Heather Staton

Pretending the LGBTQ+ doesn't exist, will not make them cease to exist. When will the Iowa Legis start focusing on things like clean water and cancer? Will this bill make our water drinkable? Will it lower the cost of groceries? Will it make heath care available and affordable? If not, then this bill isn't for the constituents, it's for hate.

02-03-2026

Liza Alton

I am opposed to bill HF2121. I am a high school play director and I have students in my current play and past plays that are a member of the LGBTQ+ community. These high school students and all high school students should be in a supportive school environment. All high school students should have non restrictive information that has been developed by professional educators concerning the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity. Do not waste my tax dollars spending time discussing this horrible bill.

02-03-2026

Elizabeth Arnold

Im a strongly against this bill. Our students deserve an education that is truthful and encourages curiosity. This bill erases communities and silences voices. It leaves our children ignorant and ashamed. Please vote no

02-03-2026

Jennifer Santiago

I strongly oppose this bill. Iowa teenagers should have access to factual information about gender theory and sexual orientation. Understanding that people they will meet in life may be different or similar to themselves will only help them navigate the teenage years and beyond. I am beyond disgusted at the governments overreach on this and firmly believe this decision should be made by the people who are tirelessly educating our children.

02-03-2026

Mia Becker

This bill violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.The First Amendment prohibits viewpointbased censorship. By banning instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation, the bill targets specific ideas for suppression rather than regulating curriculum neutrally. Viewpoint discrimination is presumptively unconstitutional (Rosenberger v. Rector, 515 U.S. 819 (1995)). Students and teachers retain First Amendment rights in schools (Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969)), and academic freedom is a special concern of the First Amendment (Keyishian v. Board of Regents, 385 U.S. 589 (1967)).The bill also violates Equal Protection under the Fourteenth Amendment by disproportionately harming LGBTQ+ students. While heterosexual and cisgender identities remain embedded in curricula, LGBTQ+ identities are erased, imposing unequal Laws singling out LGBTQ+ people for disadvantage violate equal protection (Romer v. Evans, 517 U.S. 620 (1996).

02-03-2026

Jan Haag

The reality is, this bill does not take away anyones rightsit simply restores clarity to the law and follows biological truth.Transidentifying individuals will still have the same rights as every other Iowanthe right to employment, housing, and credit. Those protections exist under the Constitution and federal law. What this bill does is prevent gender identity from being used to override biological reality and erase the rights of women and girls.Right now, activists assign false meaning to this bill, claiming it legalizes discrimination when, in fact, it only ensures that womens safety, privacy, and dignity are protected.This is not about exclusionits about making sure our laws work for everyone without forcing radical ideology onto institutions and the public.Please vote YES on this bill and restore fairness and clarity to Iowa law.

02-03-2026

Kate Hanson

I strongly oppose this bill. Our children need validation of how they feel and who they know themselves to be. They do not need their community to pretend they don't exist, or to be punished for acknowledging their existence.

02-03-2026

Christopher Chase

HF 2121 is an extremely harmful bill that harms Iowa children. It would harm MY children. I know this because one of my own children is asexual and the other is bisexual, and both struggled with social messages that pressured them from the wider culture, as well as school bullies. They had to work hard both with my spouse and me, as well as gain support from teachers and staff in our middle and high school, to be comfortable in their own skin. I saw firsthand the psychological damage inflicted on them by bullies at different levels in our communities. As Iowan taxpayers, we hereby DEMAND to be fully represented in all of our gender varieties, our orientations, and our marriages, whether to opposite or same gender partners. We will not let reactionary bullies try to pressure our children into silence, whether in the school hallways or in the halls of the Iowa Capitol. This bill must be defeated as soon as possible.

02-03-2026

Matthew Gillaspie

Opposed. These bills take Iowa back decades. Instead of legislating speech, work on the cost of living in the state, making our taxes more fair (fair doesn't mean higher or lower; it means fair....pay property taxes on the true value of your property, not a fraction of 10% of the ag land value when business and homeowners are paying 510 times that amount on a prorata value of the asset), if I don't want my child to be taught in an environment that recognizes all people, all religions (including nonreligion), all ideas....then I guess I'd send them to private school and take your voucher money. Public dollars for Public Schools. Local control for schools & cities....if I'm not happy I will vote my council or board out or run for office myself. I don't need the state legislature holding my hand at every corner. WHO is asking for a total overhaul of the tax system...or, is that juat a box you can check to help get you to Washinton? VOTE NO ON THIS BILL. It's archaic thinking.

02-03-2026

Anne Ulm

HF 2121 is a malicious attempt to control public education. Our educators are trained to meet the needs of each and every student. You have provided tax payer money for religious education so stay out of the public sector. According to your funding it is now possible for parents to send their student to any school they choose. If parents or you, as state reps, dont want realities of this world to be discussed then you have the choice to go elsewhere. I want students in public education have their needs addressed and met in their school of choice.

02-03-2026

Mackenzie Blackhall

I entirely oppose HF 2121. Our children deserve schools that prepare them for the real world, and this bill does the exact opposite. Learning about gender and sexual orientation does not turn kids gay. There is no credible evidence to suggest this. The only thing this bill would accomplish is further ostracizing a group of kids that are in need of more support and acceptance not less.

02-03-2026

Lori Stiles [N/A]

SUPPORT: Being that 279.80 is already in Iowa Code, and the FACT IS that there are only two genders, it aligns that students should not be TAUGHT otherwise, i.e. that a person can switch their gender, or choose it and change it. I support this being extended to grades 712, because it is false teaching, at any age. I support you in passing HF2121. Thank you.

02-03-2026

Lori Stiles

I SUPPORT this bill, which extends 279.80, already in effect for K6th grade, to 712th grade. The concept/theory that any person can choose their gender or change their biological gender is false teaching at any age. Thank you.

02-04-2026

Sharon Lake

I oppose HF 2121 and ask that you vote no. Prohibiting students in grades 712, who are going through puberty, from reading, listening to, or discussing in class various topics related to gender and sexuality is a disservice to our students and their families. It ignores the natural range of gender and sexual expression, and treats members of our LGBTQ community as invisible. This is not healthy. I have not heard a compelling argument for passing this bill. It used to be that the Republican Party was against big government intruding in their lives. What compelling harm does this bill prevent? What compelling good does it accomplish?

02-04-2026

Madeline Cole

I have been a PK8 educator and preschool director for the last 15 years. Families often come to us with questions regarding how to talk to children about nuanced topics like gender, trusting TEACHERS' EXPERTISE IN SCAFFOLDING IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS FOR ANY AGE GROUP. It shocks me that this legislation passed for the lower grades, and it is even more detrimental to consider it for the older classes. Scientific knowledge AND deeper crosscultural understanding AND previouslysuppressed historical facts have expanded into a wide amount of information on gender and sexual orientation, which is not something most of today's parents received in their own education. How are they supposed to convey accurate information to their children when any schooling they had is outofdate? There's no plan in place to ensure they distribute accurate information, which is wildly disrespectful of all LGBTQIA2S+ families in Iowa. (If you don't know that entire acronym, RESEARCH BEFORE VOTING). Vote NO.

02-04-2026

Sarah Chang

HF2121 is a solution looking for a problem. There is no problem, not with the content of curriculum or of schooladjacent programs for 7th thru 12th graders. The problem is underfunding. The legislatures job is to adequately fund public schools, not to establish or limit curriculum. This kind of censorship puts educators in an impossible position, and makes all supporting legislators complicit in the bullying of students in demographics which are treated as less than. Please vote NO on the wasteful and destructive government overreach that is HF2121.

02-04-2026

Denise Warzak

I am against this bill. Not mentioning LGBTQ+ history/people wont make kids less likely to grow up queer. Theres kids that have grown up incredibly sheltered that still end up realizing theyre queer as adults. Its also not as though we all live in a society with constant access to information. They will discover LGBTQ+ history somehow why not in a structured environment like school?

02-04-2026

Karen Maass

I strongly oppose HF 2121. As a mother and a grandmother, I have discussed this bill with my granddaughters who are in 7th and 9th grade. They both know of gay classmates and have friends who identify as gay. They accept them as such and seemed put out by the thought that these classmates/friends are anything less as this bill insinuates. I also feel more reassured in my grandchildren getting information that is factual and with adult guidance in schools than from the internet.

02-04-2026

Shelley Grudle

Strongly opposed. All students diverse families deserve representation and acceptance in our public schools. This bills clear goal is to create an environment of exclusion, putting a population of people in danger. Students deserve access to educational materials that support their diverse needs and that represent them. Vote NO on bill HF2121.

02-04-2026

Samantha Bute

I strongly oppose the HF 2121 bill. This is not an issue and just an example of further censorship just because some dont agree. I want my tax paying dollars to be spent on things that are actual issues in our state like cleaner water, giving leave to parents, allowing more funds for daycare. Even if people dont agree we can move past it and do not need to pass a bill to hide it.

02-04-2026

Samantha Bute

02-04-2026

Elston Tortuga

I oppose this bill. Kids deserve to have access to education to understand their own experiences and the experiences of their peers. This type of restriction to what kind of information is allowed into schools is dangerous to queer youth and is a moral abomination.

02-04-2026

Anne Peterson

This is an extremely dangerous and hurtful bill. I urge you to vote no. Reading and learning about people from different backgrounds, who have varying lifestyles or relationships, and who are from many cultures, is what education is all about. This bill will hurt Iowa students who have LGBTQ parents and family members, and even more so, LGBTQ students in Iowa classrooms. The bill smacks of infringements on civil rights. Let teachers teach. Let LGBTQ students feel accepted, not ostracized.

02-04-2026

Lori Ann Haight

I oppose the expansion of HF2121, that would expand the Don't Say Gay/Trans law to K12. It is terrible to criminalize LGBTQA+ persons by not recognizing each persons individual orientation. It is not a crime and not a topic which cannot be discussed in schools at any age or anywhere else.

02-04-2026

Kathleen Winter [- Select -]

I am firmly opposed to this bill. Trying to hide real life from Iowa students serves no purpose at all. This is just an another attempt to marginalize a group of people that are already struggling with no benefit at all. Iowa has real problems, this is not one of them.

02-04-2026

Megan Bird

Completely opposed. It is our duty to educate our children to our fullest ability. Not to withhold information based on what may make people uncomfortable. I see no reason as to why this shouldnt be a part of the curriculum unless the church and state are no longer separate. Which is not, and will never be the case.

02-04-2026

Donna Wallace

I am absolutely opposed to this vile bill. Your bullying tactics on one of our most vulnerable student groups is a thinly veiled attempt to shred our democracy. All students have a voice, all persons deserve to see people like them reflected in literature and history. Your imagined world where students are receiving "instruction" about "gender theory" simply does not exist. Students will be who they are regardless, and our only job is SEE them, and BELIEVE them when they tell us who they are.

02-04-2026

Amy Bruner [Amy Bruner]

I oppose this legislation. Iowa students deserve honest, ageappropriate education. This education may prove crucial for LGBTQ+ students. This bill is not protecting kids; its restricting free speech and leaving students without guidance.

02-04-2026

Laura Schafer

This bill will hurt students. Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of mankind. Ignoring this will not make it go away. As a retired English teacher, I did have students learn about an authors sexual orientation as we analyzed literature through various lenses of critical thinking. Please use your critical thinking skills and reject this bill.

02-04-2026

Jean Schlichtemeier

I strongly support this bill! Our kids have fallen too far behind in basic education math, science, reading, spelling,history,English the basics! Sexual identity discussions should be with family members outside of school time.

02-04-2026

Erica Rissi

STRONGLY OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE!! HF2121 is a vile bill, just as its sister bill SF2003. You cannot legislate people out of existence. You are on the wrong side of history and should be ashamed of yourselves. This is pure partisan politics and not the will of the people you claim to represent.

02-04-2026

Andrea McIlwee

NO! LGBTQ+ people exist in the world. Some of you may not like that, but it is the reality in which we all live. Same sex marriage has been legal in Iowa for 17 years. LGBTQ people are present in classrooms as students, teachers, aids, paraprofessionals, they work in districts as administrators, and they are our neighbors and parents of our kids. Pretending that they don't exist doesn't erase them, no matter how hard you try. You already passed a bill attempting to remove LGBTQ+ materials from K6 grades, and that law has been unenforcable. Why pass another bill that will lead to costly litigation? Stop trying to erase an entire community.

02-04-2026

Ellen Rasmussen

I am strongly opposed to this bill. Schools should not be censored from teaching and discussing uncomfortable topics and issues. Ourchildren need reliable and accurate information so they can.macigaye an increasingly complex world.

02-04-2026

Maggie Ballard [Heartland Family Service]

At Heartland Family Service, we pride ourselves on promoting a culture that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. We acknowledge that many of our staff, clients, and community members face adversity for their differences, and we oppose any legislation that prevents people from feeling included or even from being acknowledged. This bill will create more mental health problems for our children and youth, which will yield more challenges for them later in life. Therefore we ask you to oppose this bill.

02-04-2026

Josh Helmick

OPPOSED. Young people, on their way to navigate through the world, must feel confident and secure in their gender presentation or sexual identity without the state suppressing that freedom of expression. Don't fool yourselves into thinking you're the political party of small government. Get your hands off children's education. Let them learn, and let them make their own educated decisions about themselves. Be the government that actually believes in freedom.

02-04-2026

Stephen Ringlee

We are stoutly opposed to HF2121. As a former school board president, I had to deal with the challenges faced by LGBTQ students, particularly in grades 712. Handcuffing schools, including school nurses and counselors, by prohibiting any mention whatsoever of sexual orientation or gender is cruel and dysfunctional.

02-04-2026

Nancy Rabe

I absolutely oppose this bill. While teenagers are still children they do not live in a vacuum. They are also not stupid. You cannot legislate away sexual orientation and teenagers should be allowed access to real information about it. We tell our children to be yourself and then the iowa legislature tries to make everyone conform to their idea of gender and sexual orientation.

02-04-2026

Alissa Garcia-Cruz

The prohibition of information pertaining to Gender Theory & Sexual Orientation poses a huge risk for students within Iowa. If students are not knowledgeable of aspects of the human experience they could be subject to alternative means of learning (which could be from a discriminative, inaccurate or bias standpoint). Students who identify with a gender outside of the social norm still deserve representation & education. These children will still exist regardless of the targeting policies brought forth. They deserve a enlightened education & not policy makers who presume they know best on topics they refuse to educate themselves about. This bill has been brought forward through a bias point of perspective, that could have profound impacts for our youth. Its not okay that those in office, are utilizing their power, to discriminate towards LGBTQ+ Iowans. Through prohibiting these topics, is a disservice to the upcoming generation of Iowans education.