Meeting Public Comments
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A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.
Subcommittee members: Taylor, J.-CH, Quirmbach, Westrich
Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Room G15
Comments Submitted:
The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.
Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.
01-26-2023
Sandy Wilson [Citizen Engagement]
We, the 868 citizens of Iowa and members of Citizen Engagement, declare IN FAVOR of SF 83.
01-27-2023
Terri Fredrickson []
Hate has no place in Iowa! Why dont you propose legislation that is helpful to Iowans instead?
01-27-2023
Samantha Israel [N/A]
Please just leave these kids alone. There are so many other things in our state that deserve your attention and you insist on bullying and punching down on marginalized kids that arent even yours! What happened to parents rights? It certainly seems that parents of children in the LGBTQ community (such as myself) have none.
01-27-2023
Lindsay A Park []
Trans children and their parents and loved ones are STILL your constituents, no matter how much you seem to hate them and how often you try to exploit your elected office to discriminate against them. Don't mistake smallminded approaches for "small government".
01-27-2023
Natalie Fixmer-Oraiz []
This legislation intentionally harms Iowa youth. As a parent and public educator, I am strongly AGAINST SF83.
01-27-2023
Tambi Heiter []
Just. Leave. These. Kids. Alone! For crying out loud, all any kid wants is to be accepted. How is this so hard for the GOP to fathom??
01-27-2023
Jennifer Supp-Montgomerie []
This bill would drive businesses, conferences, and most importantyoung Iowans away. We have much more important work than to harm young people. Suicide rates among trans kids are highwe must, as Iowan parents, safeguard their lives by standing AGAINST this bill.
01-27-2023
Don Myers []
Increasingly, the republican party has taken, as their primary mission, gratuitous stupidity toward anyone they consider vulnerable, or 'other than themselves'. In IA, they have repeatedly snatched utter nonsense from the jaws of decency. The IA GOP has, here, a chance to, if not 'do the right thing', at least refrain from doing the stupid, wrongheaded, bullying, thing. Time to get right with the God you claim to believe in.
01-27-2023
Barbara and Jim Dale []
In case you don't know any trans folks, we who do can tell you they are actually fine people! Imagine the courage it takes to be themselves in the face of prejudice and too often persecution. Who would sign up for the potential of being murdered who wasn't completely convinced of who they are and how their nature will be fulfilled? Many such individuals have been aware of their condition since childhood. They and their parents need to know that they are still beloved by God and supported by caring people around them.We deplore discrimination against any person, and grieve for the agony people feel, often to the point of suicide, when they cannot be who they know God created them to be.Please have compassion, and get to know someone personally before condemning them.Thank you.
01-27-2023
Brandy Boulting []
I am STRONGLY APPOSED to SF 83. First of all, no teaching curriculum I know of specifically teaches gender identity. Secondly, what are you so damn afraid of if there was? Leave these kids alone and create legislation that helps someone, instead of harms a whole group of people.
01-27-2023
Rachel Henning []
I oppose SF 83. We do not need legislation that will harm our students.
01-27-2023
Liz Gold []
Having worked in and around public education for many years, I can tell you this will have dire consequences. LGBTQIA+ youth are "4x more likely to attempt suicide than their peers" (The Trevor Project), and legislation like this will only drive up those numbers. Stop trying to control people's bodies and leave these kids alone!
01-28-2023
Courtney Collier []
I support SF83. Our students k8 should not be receiving the mentally harmful and confusing classroom instruction or materials at school about gender identity. Gender dysphoria is a mental illness diagnosable in the DSM5. Gender identity is not a real thing but is a social contagion fueled by a culture war. Our children should be protected from this mentally harmful and confusing content while they are supposed to be receiving their education on academics in k8. Parents have the right to direct the upbringing of their children. Gender identity and topics like these introduce confusing, controversial and age inappropriate information to students which violate the values and beliefs of many parents. It is also a violation of our parental rights. School should be a safe place for children to focus on and learn academics and life skills. Instead today we see schools inserting gender identity into every single classroom subject. In Waukee schools we have teachers asking every student for their preferred pronouns, gender identity and to indicate whether or not they want their parents to know. This gender identity indoctrination begins in some Waukee schools as early as kindergarten with books about characters gender dysphoria. This is a violation of parent trust. We do not send our children to school to have their family values and worldview attacked and reshaped by teachers. This practice comes between the sacred relationship of parent and child. We entrust our children to teachers to learn the basic academic subjects and to partner with us on encouraging our children to be kind and respectful citizens. Pass SF83 to protect the innocence and well being of our children.
01-28-2023
A Friend [Constitutional Watchmen Society of Iowa]
The Constitutional Watchmen Society of Iowa supports this bill. Additionally we ask that you take immediate steps to end the IADOE's advocacy on their website of Transformative Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & the analytical data harvesting of our students via CASEL.This includes ending the State's current contracts with Panorama Education asap.
01-28-2023
Carrie Wright []
I am in support of this bill. Thank you for protecting the innocence of children this age, that seems to be under constant attack. This is not an appropriate topic for this age range, and should be handled at home rather than in the school, if needed to be addressed.
01-28-2023
Abby Michael []
Our schools should protect all studentsincluding LGBTQ studentsso they can learn and thrive in a safe environment. SF83 accomplishes neither of these things. It will create an environment where bullying can run rampant and educators have few if any tools to respond to it. This bill will increase the suicide rate among LGBTQ youth, who already have an alarmingly higher rate than their peers. Please vote against SF83 and make Iowa schools a place where anyone can succeed.
01-28-2023
Priya Larson []
I oppose this bill. Teachers and children cannot ignore the topic of gender identity at school nor in life. That would be impossible, but also unhealthy. A law cant erase the fact that humans have gender identities.
01-28-2023
Mindy Kruckenberg []
There is so much important work to be done to help Iowans. Why are we letting hate drive our politics? As a public educator I care for and worry about my students, especially those who are part of any marginalized community. As for the bottom line, this bill would drive businesses and conferences away. It will also drive Iowans away. I am wholeheartedly AGAINST this bill.
01-29-2023
Jane Heiar []
I oppose SF83. What are people so afraid of? What message does silencing educators on gender identity send to kids who are part of the LGBTQ community? This is discrimination. Find something worthwhile to work on. There are plenty of other issues that are of high concern to Iowa families.
01-29-2023
Dianne Prichard []
How will denying that queer and trans people exist make them go away? How many students have already accepted their gay and trans aunts, uncles, cousins as normal. Is this one more skewed version of Christian scripture being used to make rules for all Iowans, Christian or not? Surely the newly "accredited" private schools can put this in their curriculum, but to force this on the rest of us is dictatorship, not democracy. Telling a child he does't exist as God created them cannot be helpful to his love of life. Pastor Dianne Prichard
01-29-2023
Mandy Gilbert []
In full support of this bill. This is NOT a bill to be hateful or trying to pry into any complicated situation between a parent and their child. This is about creating a safe space at school, where social contagions are not affirmed nor are confidential conversations happening between a child and educators void of their parent. Sad we live in a time a bill like this needs proposed to counter the over sexualized content being sparked at school and the notion that gender is fluid. That is literally anti science and contrary to an environment that should be educating children on facts over ideologies to confuse and potentially mutilate and permanently sterilize healthy children.
01-29-2023
Amber Beitzel []
I am STRONGLY APPOSED to SF 83.
01-29-2023
Christopher Marlin-Warfield []
This is a noxious bill. Section 216.2.10 defines "gender identity" as "a genderrelated identity of a person, regardless of the persons assigned sex at birth." But this bill clearly isn't designed to stop teachers from teaching about cisgendered people's gender identities. It is designed to erase the existence of trans and nonbinary people from every subject, including, astonishingly enough, science, social studies, health, and human development. I simply cannot imagine how anyone can be believe that education can include the erasure of any group of people.Moreover, it employs private action as an enforcement mechanism, which would chill education or force schools to spend money to defend against every halfbaked charge that a teacher taught that trans and nonbinary people exist against them.All of that makes this bill a travesty. But here's the kicker: in a world where trans and nonbinary youth are at elevated risk for suicide precisely because of the bullying, erasure, and marginalization that they endure, bills like this kill kids. As a citizen, I hope that Iowa is better than this bill. As a pastor, I pray that Iowa is better than this bill. And I do both of those things because there are people in Iowa who desperately need Iowa to be better than this bill.
01-29-2023
Holly Reid []
I support SF83, every parent should have the right to protect our childrens innocence and give parents the ability to have sensitive conversations with their kids in the timing of their own choosing. It is not the schools role to impress their beliefs on this topic that do not align with many religions. Our school boards are not listening to parents of removing this type of instructional material so thank you for taking a stand at the state level!
01-29-2023
Elijah Reid []
I support this bill. Everyone who is so worried about these kids should probably work to get them help. These discussions should not be happening in classrooms. Grooming children to prefer a certain type of sexual behavior is not ok. Keep it in your bedroom.
01-29-2023
Kathy Pietraszewski []
I support SF 83. I believe in science and I have an English minor so I know which pronouns go with which body parts. I also believe in the Bible but since Christianity seems to get a bad rap from the woke crowd (Willing Overlooking Known Evil), I will not focus on the fact that it is wrong to encourage children to explore sexuality not given to them by their loving Creator. Confusing them in this way sets them up for potential suicide, as has been pointed out many times by those opposed to this bill. This Trans agenda is part of a very evil plan to reduce population. It is not a conspiracy theory. Leave kids alone. Teach them reading, writing, and math. Maybe the public school needs to stay away from science since what goes up no longer seems to have to come down anymore. Have a little common sense for a change and support this bill. Otherwise, watch the students and the funding walk away from you no, RUN away from you.
01-30-2023
Fletcher Stiers []
I'm really disappointed in anyone who supports this bill. There is absolutely no reason to believe that teaching kids about gender identity turns them transgender. It is incredibly important for children to learn about the many different types of people in the world so that they can learn to be more empathetic and caring toward their fellow humans, but this bill would prevent that. I urge you to think about the marginalized people in your state. People who have a substantially higher risk of committing suicide, people who are more likely to be assaulted after transitioning, people who sit at home and see that state after state is trying to legislate them out of existence. This bill helps no one, and it harms a lot of people. Transgender Iowans are still Iowans, and they deserve to be treated the same as everyone else.
01-30-2023
Julie Scott []
I am strongly in favor of this bill SF83 passing. First off teaching gender has no place in public schools and I wish the bill read K12. Since gender ideology teaching has been present in public schools it has caused much confusion and discord. School is for Math, Reading and Sciences to be taught and to prepare students for a future once they become adults. All the focus on gender issues only confuses a child... the child who never thought or knew about it, is now aware and wonders maybe something IS wrong with me; thus becomes confused. This teaching and thinking will very likely contribute to some form of mental illness down the road. Another big reason this should be removed from education is it is not necessary and by that I mean the percentage of students this focuses on is very low. Why are we catering to such a small group of people with all the other children at risk of becoming confused and harmed. This confusion can and will very likely lead to more suicide attempts as these kids get older as they wont know who they are or where they belong. This topic and teaching causes much discord within families and can pit the child against the parents. Please leave these children alone is in many of the comments here... and I agree! Leave the children who are not confused alone and stop this teaching! Most parents do not want their children to be exposed to gender teaching and confusion, thus why so many are leaving public schools. By passing this bill you will benefit the state of Iowa, Iowa families and also Iowas public schools. Please vote yes to SF83!
01-30-2023
Anita Hoch [concerned Grandparent ]
I am a huge supporter of education. i am against the schools teaching transgender education. This is not a matter that should be taught to our children. Education needs to focus on teaching the basics of reading writing and math. Issues of transgender ideologies belongs in the decision to the parents. I love all people but confusing our children with these issues A teacher or any educator should not be allowed to decide on such important issues that can affect and damage our children for a lifetime. These teaching have created much confusion in our children and we have seen a drastic increase in depression and suicide. I totally support this law and hope that we support letting parents decide on this personal and very controversial subject.
01-30-2023
Cindy jo Benes []
As we consider our responsibility to future generations, I think we need to support this legislation. School needs to be focused on academic education. Parents need to cover personal issues. There just isnt time or qualification enough in the school day to cover controversial subject matter. Simple respect and consideration for our fellow classmates should suffice. Parents have a duty to protect our childrens development in this way.
01-30-2023
Brian Scott []
I do not believe that gender identity should be explored or discussed in the school setting for this age group of students. I have nothing against gay or trans students, but school is not the platform to be used for teaching anything about this chosen lifestyle. I am in favor of SF 83.
01-30-2023
Denise Perez []
As a parent of an LGBTQ+ child who is trying to keep their child alive, I am telling you this bill will literally kill children.Stats from the Trevor Project on LGBTQ+ Youth for 2022:45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be genderaffirming.LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQaffirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide.60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.LGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide than those who do not.Please stop this attack on children. Or is the cruelty the point?https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey2022/
01-30-2023
Miki Alexander []
I am 100% against this kind of teaching to our children. Please do not allow this to pass. It has NO place in our schools.
01-30-2023
Jan Slick []
Please pass SF83 to maintain the sanctity of the family unit.It is only a parent's right to discuss such matters with their children. A school teaching such issues is where the confusion comes from.An educator would be stealing a child's innocence and a parent's right to protect that innocence.
01-30-2023
Constance Wiemold []
I am against this bill. This will only harm the most vulnerable. This bill is based on ideological decisions that should be separate from government. Regulating the freedom to be who you are and not what you think they should be causes suicides and depression. Let kids be kids and leave them alone.
01-30-2023
James Sederquist []
I do not support this bill. The passage of this bill will place undue hardship and pain on a number of Iowans. Please do not move it forward in the legislative process.
01-30-2023
Jason Cordes []
I am opposed to SF 83. This is harmful, not helpful.
01-30-2023
Kathryn Crawford []
This bill is extremely harmful to children in Iowa. Our job as the adults is to let kids explore the world around them safely. That means making spaces safe for them to try new things and figure out who they are. Please stop spreading hate and lies. Focus on real problems, like funding our public schools.
01-30-2023
Pam Gronau []
I am in support of SF 83. Simply put, our schools have no business teaching LGBTQ topics to our children. It is a matter that should be left for discussion between the family and the child. Our schools need to stay focused on teaching our children the basics like reading and math.
01-30-2023
Tara Shukla Jones []
I am opposed to SF83. It addresses a nonexistent problem that sounds scary "ooh terrible people teaching perversion to kids" because it's real goal, bullying LGBTQ students and teachers and trying to drive them out of public life by being afraid to express their identity in public, would be unpopular. There is a reason LGBTQ persons have higher rates of depression and suicide than the general population and laws like SF83 contribute to this. Please do not let this bill proceed.
01-30-2023
Patty SeregAlexander []
Please pass this bill. As a teacher I care for all children, it doesn't matter to me what differences they have. I work to meet the learning needs for all children. Children's learning and their progress in reading, writing, math and science is what I want to focus on. Parents are ultimately responsible for their children. Sexual behaviors or sexual orientation is not a topic that I wish to cover with young children nor is it a valuable use of children's instructional time. Thank you!
01-30-2023
Colleen McRoberts []
I firmly oppose this legislation. The topic of gender identity is well within the purview of a rigorous public education curriculum. This legislation seeks to undermine core principles of education such as critical thought, freedom of expression, equal access, and public knowledge for the public good. Additionally, this legislation creates a dangerous environment for the transgender members of my family. The government has an obligation to ensure transgender students, teachers, and other public school staff and constituents experience the right to freedom from fear of violence or retribution. This legislation seeks to circumscribe that right.
01-30-2023
Meagan Schnoor [Parent of a trans child]
This bill is disgusting. This is just Republicans creating fake culture wars to divide. Who this bill hurts is our most vulnerable. This is not an issue in our schools. You are just communicating to trans and other LGBTQ+ people that they are not welcome in Iowa. Please vote No on this bill.
01-30-2023
Randi Gault []
If you all cared about kids like you claim you do, you would vote no on all of this. If you truly believed in parental rights and then having a say in their education, you wouldn't put hatred like this into legislation. If government has no place in education, get your fingers out of the damn pie.
01-30-2023
Melissa McCollister []
This legislation intentionally harms Iowa trans youth and is damaging for all youth. As a social worker, I strongly oppose SF83.
01-30-2023
Karla Hoch []
I dont believe its anywhere close to being appropriate to teach gender identity and any ideologies associated with it to children in K8th grade. Teachers should be concerned with kids learning how to read, write and do arithmetic.
01-30-2023
Andrew Biederman []
I strongly oppose this proposed bill. Please do not try to gag our teachers and harm our LGBTQ+ kids. This kind of bill is not going to stop LGBTQ+ people from existing, all it does is make life even harder for kids that are already minorities.
01-30-2023
Makenzie Stumpf []
Republicans need to stop with their hate bills. This is terrible and does not reflect the Iowa I want to live in. Stop trying to emulate what they are doing in these corrupt southern states to try to make us the Florida/Alabama/Mississippi of the Midwest.
01-30-2023
Theo Mastio []
I grew up in a small town in iowa as a trans kid and teenager before i even knew my identity or words to use for it, i was called slurs, asked intrusive questions about what i was up to and who i was into. I wasnt allowed to be a teen just like my peers because they were taught to hate a group of people because they didnt know the loving truth of trans people. I do not support this bill. It will continue to discriminate and push hate on a group of people that kids belong to. With lack of education and lack of gender affirming care, students, kids, teens, Iowans, will die. This harms iowans instead of giving them the freedom to grow up as people deserving of love and respect first. This bill will further discrimination, further hate crimes, and destroy Iowas legacy as a loving place with hard working people. This bill will have a death toll and had i not been allowed to use different pronouns or go by a different name (what is typical for gender affirming care) I would be dead like many other Iowans will be if this bill is allowed to pass. My first experience meeting trans people was in a church my pastor had teamed up with my older sisters high schools gsa to allow trans people to speak and talk about their lives and transitions and what kind of experiences theyve had since coming out and transitioning. I wouldnt know about my identity as a trans person for years later after this experience, but being at this meeting gave me education that allowed me to accept my peers and know how to be a good person, and to represent iowan kindness well. Education is important
01-30-2023
Steve Ball []
This bill will do nothing but harm. LGTBQ people will continue to exist but now we just make children ignorant of it. Also, this will surely scare away investors, businesses, educators, and many other people from doing anything in Iowa, and if the Republican Party is so interested in being businessfriendly, they should really consider the ramifications this culture war stuff will have.
01-30-2023
Dr. Kent Boyer []
This bill has no place in the United States, or in Iowa. These kids have already faced much more personal difficulty than many adults, and bills like these serve only to stigmatize these kids even more. Being gay is not illegal. Gay marriage is not illegal. I want kids to be able to grow up asking questions for themselves. Their rate of bullying and suicide is already many more times than the average student, and this will further hurt them.
01-30-2023
Michael Tartar []
First, pretending something doesn't exist doesn't make it go away. It doesn 't make kids smarter or safer to better. It just makes those on the outside feel more lonely an isolated. We should never make legislation to marginalize those who need inclusion.Lastly, the private cause of action is just ridiculous. Causing schools to defend baseless lawsuits leads to less money for instruction
01-30-2023
Cheryl Thomas []
I am against SF83. This is harmful to Iowa's youth. Please stop using children as a political tool.
01-30-2023
Sylvia Popelka []
I stand in opposition to this hateful bill.
01-30-2023
Josh Briggs []
I am in support of this bill.Our schools unfortunately continue to push the bounds of their authority and role in educating young people in the state of Iowa, including informing parents of critical information about their child. In one Central Iowa School District, the superintendent recognized these challenges and asked his staff to not ask students about their pronouns or sexual identity. Unfortunately, in a grand display of insubordination over 100 teachers ignored their boss and asked children this information anyways. Many times explicitly saying it was their secret. These teachers have crossed a threshold that cannot be unwound, they have moved from education to social justice to activism to potentially destroying lives in the name of inclusion. Inclusion is amazing, but inclusion without boundaries is unhealthy. Many will say that these teachers are protecting students from abusive parents that may not understand their child. This is true, not all parents are worthwhile of the title but I believe they are missing the forest by focusing on a tree. They should not be in a position to make this decision as they are not remotely qualified to understand the mental health of a child that may just be joining their classroom. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Boston Childrens Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and many others recognize gender dysphoria as a clinical diagnosis for those that have feelings their gender does not align with their body. It is a clinical diagnosis for licensed medical professionals to make not licensed educators. These same institutions also provide details on treatment options for individuals suffering from gender dysphoria, in nearly all literature on the topic the first step is having the patient begin to identify as the gender they believe they are...name, dress, body hair, pronouns. The exact treatment plan being administered by licensed educators in public schools in our state.Unfortunately for the child receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan from an educator is a dangerous scenario on a variety of levels. Those with gender dysphoria unfortunately experience substancerelated disorders, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts more commonly than those in the general population.Gender dysphoria looks different in different age groups. Making it nearly impossible to diagnosis without a trained and licensed professional.individual and family counseling is recommended for children with gender dysphoria. How can this occur without the knowledge of the guardian? Are our public schools now making medical decisions for our children? How can a parent give the child the help necessary when they dont know about it? Anyone who diagnoses and treats a child without the proper medical license or anyone who denies a child and parent the ability to seek medical treatment should be sent to jail and lose the privilege of educating children. Their role is not to play doctor or guardian or to make healthcare decisions for children. They are licensed by the state of Iowa to educate the child. How have we lost this basic understanding to now have 100s of teachers in one district ignoring their Superintendents request and extending their role to medicine. Those that disagree are ignoring science, the mental well being of children, and the obligation of parents to act in the best interest of their child.
01-30-2023
Teresa Weidmaier []
This bill is nonsense. Where are all of the separation of church and state constitutionalists on SP 83? Because some people deem discussions about gender identity to be inappropriate (primarily based on political or religious beliefs) the rest of the students in Iowa have to be ignorant on the subject as well? If you are so concerned about controlling the curriculum to suit your specific beliefs, you should probably take some of that voucher money and send your kid to a private school of your choosing!Sexual orientation and gender identity are legally recognized immutable characteristics like race. This bill is no different than saying you cant teach about kids skin being some thing other than white. Which I hope would not pass but its hard to tell at this point.In the end, it is about basic human dignity and acknowledging that all children are valid, and that we in the public schools will accept them for who they are, who their family is, who their parents are, etc. SP 83 is contrary to basic human rights principles, but also dangerous to the mental health and wellbeing of young people and ignores the doctors and professionals who say just that. Thanks to Governor Reynolds, parents who want to discriminate against LGBTQ students now have a thing called school choice to take their children to a religious school. Your religion is no more correct than mine.
01-30-2023
Heather Stancil []
I SUPPORT SF83. There are only 2 genders. If parents want to believe & teach something different to their children under age 14 that is their right. However, public schools should not be forcing these radical sexual belief systems on the children of other parents who do not believe the same, especially at so young & impressionable an age. Perhaps if our public schools had stuck with academics instead of pushing dangerous agendas like this on young children, school choice would not have been necessary. If you really care about our public schools, this kind of radical teaching needs to stop or more parents will walk.
01-30-2023
Courtney Bork []
I urge a no vote on SF 83. Iowa Republicans have already targeted the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring the proliferation of hate crimes and speech. People fear what they dont understand, and a yes vote is choosing fear over understanding, and encouraging hate and violence against a valued community.
01-30-2023
Heidi Reyes []
Trans children and their families and loved ones are your constituents. They deserve protection as much as any other constituents! Im strongly opposed to SF 83! Please leave the children alone!
01-30-2023
Sara McSweeney []
I strongly oppose the passage of this bill.
01-30-2023
Jennifer Turner []
I support this bill. It is not the responsibility of the school to teach gender identity. I am not goimg to say anything more than the others in support of this bill. It is fascinating that this bill even needs to be addressed. When did it become the responsibility of the school to teach a child that they may not be how God created them and then hide it from their parents as some Iowa districts are. These teachings have no business in our classrooms. K12
01-30-2023
Jennifer Allsup []
I support SF 83.
01-30-2023
Darren Caray []
Its absurd we even need this bill But we badly do. At least until their is enough alternative school options for every parent who wants to flea this madness can. Schools and teachers have no business discussing complex issues related to gender confusion without the full input of the parents. Keep the hammer Down and pass HF93
01-30-2023
Hannah Wickham []
I am against SF 83. We shouldnt be actively trying to make kids lives harder.
01-30-2023
Ashley Petersen []
I SUPPORT SF83.
01-30-2023
Kailei Trykowski []
This bill is hateful. I strongly oppose.
01-30-2023
Amanda McClanahan []
I am in favor of SF 83. In todays world, we hear a lot about legislating morality. Perhaps, if schools stopped pushing their personal morality on our children, we wouldnt have the need to legislate morality.It is truly mind boggling that we have to tell other adults that its wrong to have a desire to talk to children about sex. Children as young as 5. Until adults can understand the difference between age appropriate, and content appropriate discussions in the classroom, please leave this to the parents to discuss with their own children.
01-30-2023
Kristen Friedrichs []
Please vote NO to SF83. This bill would only cause harm. By not teaching about gender identity when it comes up in school, students who are transgender will have more mental health issues and possibly turn to suicide. Students who are not transgender need to understand gender identity as well so they can be competent members of our society.
01-30-2023
April Dameron []
I am in favor of SF 83. I do not believe we need to teach gender identity to children as young as K8 grade. I think this will only confuse kids and will interfere with parents rights and beliefs.
01-30-2023
Alyssa McManus []
Stop the hate and bigotry towards trans people. This bill is harmful to Iowans of all ages.
01-30-2023
Jennifer Briggs []
I am in support of this bill and much more than what is even outlined here. This is an absolute must pass at the bare minimum level of acceptance for a start to address what is the truth behind social emotional learning in MANY of todays schools in our state. Think of SEL as the carrier oil of the poison to infect the host. Not in all situations in some situations (what it used to be intended for) it is good. But by todays standards and in my district, it is the perfect cover and conveniently confusing web of protection to hide the reality of its purpose. So glad to see CASEL called out directly, as this doesnt take as much know how to uncover the intentions, origins and roots as the blanket SEL cover terminology. However, there is still not enough teeth or exposure to the reality of what weve uncovered here regarding the recent repurposing of SEL for our youth. This is a poisonous pill and not a gift of knowledge in more instances than not.Get the ball rolling and pass this past due legislation and tighten it up if possible. Thank you
01-30-2023
Jennifer Graham []
I am in full support of SF 83. This is not a partisan issue. It is moral issue. To use the classroom to impose gender ideology on young children is a misuse of time, an abuse of influence, and worse, a moral wrong. Teachers should have no agenda but to impart needed foundational knowledge, so that children can build confidently on their math, language arts, reading, writing skills, etc. Young children should not be subjected to gender ideology and introduced to concepts that can confuse and destroy them. Parents rights and wishes are trampled when teachers insert the illusion that there are gender and pronoun options students need not tell their parents about. Good Teachers and curricula focus on encouraging students and the parents who love them on the academic path. SF83 is meant to safeguard the well being of children and families. Please pass the bill to protect our young people!
01-30-2023
Heather Mathre []
Dont Say Trans is a bill to promote hate in Iowa. Its a bill to drive prejudice and discrimination towards an already marginalized groups of people. And for what? To scare people for political points? Reynolds wants that VP spot so bad shes certain Iowans will look the other way.
01-30-2023
Heidi Schubert []
Children should be taught kindness, love, acceptance and inclusion of all kinds of diversity, LGBTQ+ included. Banning diversity in education breeds fear, bullying, hate and discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community youths are already 4x as likely to commit suicide this is an unacceptable number. We as adults need to set a good example for all youth watching and lead with love, kindness and acceptance.
01-30-2023
Kelly Dunne []
This bill is hateful and unnecessary. We do not need it and the people do not want it.
01-30-2023
Mary Jobst []
I support S.F. 83. Biological sex is not assigned. Sex is determined at conception by our DNA and is stamped into every cell of our bodies. Human sexuality is binary. To indoctrinate all children from preschool forward with the lie that they could be trapped in the wrong body disrupts the very foundation of a childs reality testing. If they cant trust the reality of their physical bodies, who or what can they trust? Floridas Board of Medicine did an exhaustive review of the medical science and determined gender affirming care of minors does more harm than good, and violates medical Standard of Care. (See Florida Department of Health website, gender dysphoria). Gender ideology does not belong in k12 schools.
01-30-2023
Linda Boardsen []
Whatever pronouns children choose to use is none of your damn business.
01-30-2023
Lauren Friedrichs []
As a parent, an educator, and an Iowan I am greatly against SF 83.
01-30-2023
Jen McDonald-Ill []
I oppose SF 83 and all legislation that aims to mute an entire segment of our population. LGBTQ families, their children, and LGBTQ students should be represented within school curriculum and as human beings. SF 83 is a violation of democracy and of basic human rights.
01-30-2023
Loree Horn []
I am in support of SF83. While test scores continue to decline, why are schools focused on teaching / pushing gender identity? Schools need to put 100% of their focus on reading, writing, math, science, history. If children are confused about their sexuality, they should be discussing this with their parents and counselor or therapist. This is NOT a hateful or harmful bill. It is not advocating against children with gender dysphoria, it is just simply keeping these types of discussions/teachings out school and putting this responsibility on parents where it belongs.
01-30-2023
Anna Wolvers []
I support protecting childhood innocence and not allowing gender ideologies to be taught in schools. They need to focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic. This bill does not discriminate or pretend that people of different backgrounds and beliefs don't exist. But it does prevent schools from forcing these confusing beliefs in the curriculum on young/impressionable kids. It's sad we even have to discuss legislation to prevent these types of concerns.
01-31-2023
DeAnn Cline []
I wholeheartedly support SF 83. Please pass this bill. The insidious evil of SEL, inappropriate discussions about gender, sexual orientation, etc. have no place in the classroom. Parents want schools to teach the foundational academics of reading, writing, math, science, and history. If the teachers in any school, public or private, won't stay in their lane and do that job well, the teachers should be fired, banned from ever having influence over children again, and the parents need to pull their children from those corrupt schools and give them a better education elsewhere.
01-31-2023
Lisa Petrie []
I am OPPOSED to this bill. It is cruel, bigoted, and uninformed. Stop bullying our kids.
01-31-2023
Jennel Schulte []
I am strongly in favor of SF83. A teacher's job is to teach academics (reading, writing, math, history, science). Their job is not to teach sexuality and to indoctrinate innocent children into believing that there are more than two genders. God does not make mistakes...people do. No wonder so many kids that are confused about what gender they are, are trying to commit suicide. They need psychological help. We don't need to be adding to that problem by pushing that agenda onto all children. Personally, I don't think it should be taught all the way through high school. Please vote yes on SF83 and let's get back to teaching academics in school.
01-31-2023
Nese Larsen []
I oppose this bill. Please reconsider your support for this bill. Those on both sides of it are concerned about the mental health for children. Those that are for the bill have the belief that the mental health implications are a result of confused identity that could lead to suicide rather than related to familial and societal trauma of being rejected and abandoned by society/family in their identity. If you say you believe in science then engage in a bill of inquiry rather than ramming a bill through when the impacts of death by suicide are not clearly understood by those in support of the bill.consider finding a way to be less bias. For example, it might strike one as callous disregard of wellbeing of these youth to consider a bill with so many opposed and concerned about increased suicide. Investigate it thoroughly if you care. Report the results. If you really you care about mental health of children engage in inquiry before even engaging in such an bill that constituents have concerns regarding the increased suicidality for youth. If the correlation exists, find out why? I opine that when you and others vote in favor of such a bill you may be saying that you are sort of ok that transgender youth suffer alone as society makes no room for them? No room at the inn, no room at the school, disappear as you are unworthy of being even being named? The approach sounds likeforget theyexist and hope they go away somehow by pretending they dont exist, ignore your name, ignore your identity? Super cruel. I would wish that on no one. That is sort of what is happening with the societal trauma when people vote in favor of giving the LGBTQIA the silent treatment in school and elsewhere. Its on the spectrum of violence. You dont exist is your message. You are saying, to a community, I deserve to exist at school and you do not. That is this bill and it should be voted against for a number of reasons. Please find a more compassionate way that does result in dissolution of peoples identity. May your identity be affirmed that you not need be so insecure to take away someone elses. May you be affirmed in the growth of your compassion, in your curiosity, and positive belief that there is room for acceptance of many different identities, belief systems, and peaceful ways of being in these great independent states. May love win.
01-31-2023
Josh Swalla []
I am in support of this bill and wish it included grades 9 through 12 as well.
01-31-2023
Rebecca Dunk []
Parents should have a right to information that impacts their childs physical and emotional well being. As you know, it is the parent who is responsible for their child until the age of majority. I have heard others say that there is a concern that some parents may be abusive to the child. If that happens, no different than has always been the case with abusive parents, get the appropriate authorities and professional help involved.Adults telling children it is ok to keep secrets from their parents is wrong.
01-31-2023
Kevin Butters []
Please vote in favor of this bill so we can teach fundamentals
01-31-2023
Roy Birchard []
What are you covering up by using this issue to hide behind?God can see you and sooner or later you will be found out.
01-31-2023
Diana Buscher []
I am in favor of bill SF83. Schools and teachers should NOT be teaching about sexual/gender identity in K12. Lets focus on the fundamentals and get IA students back to leading the nation in academics.
01-31-2023
David Alexander [David A]
LGBTQ+ this is just another acronym to stereotype, divide and dehumanize persons as individuals. Pass this bill and stop this campaign on our children.
01-31-2023
Michelle Lindell []
The children getting mutilated by adults need protection! Sign this bill into law yesterday! And all the adults on here in support of this. SHAME ON YOU!
01-31-2023
Annie Nelson []
I strongly oppose SF83. It is hateful, misleading and intentionally designed to further stigmatize and divide. I also refuse to believe there isnt a more worthwhile use of legislative time and effort this session than this transparent attempt to make headlines and generate clickbait. Iowans deserve better.
01-31-2023
Cara Muta []
This is busywork, an attempt to look like youre doing something. This is not a problem. There are far more pressing issues in our state that need to be addressed: homelessness, infrastructure, inflation, clean air and water, and mental health. LGBTQ people live and work and go to school in Iowa. They cant be erased. And they shouldnt be afraid to talk to others because someone else doesnt like it. It is ridiculous to think you can keep Sally from sharing stories of her two dads or Johnny to tell his friends about his transgender sibling. This violates basic human rights. This will cause harm to LGBTQ students. You must Vote No on this dangerous bill.
01-31-2023
Renee LaFleur []
I am in support of SF 83.
01-31-2023
Shannon Freimuth []
Please vote in favor of this bill. Children in K8 grade dont need to be confused and propagandized In school. The educational focus should be on the basics, like the 3 Rs. If we want to be Truly fair and equitable, we would also consider Families who dont want their children exposed to cultural subversion.
01-31-2023
Tiffany Hoffman []
Whether you like it or not, lgbtq youth have always and will always exist. They are your constituents as well. Lets focus our time and energy on the bigger issues we face than who a human loves or is.
01-31-2023
Patty Koester []
Praying you have courage to pass this bill. We dont want our children sexualized . The truth is God designed us with our born gender for our good and changing this only hurts us. Just look at the statistics of transgender suicide and depression. Please help keep our children healthy and safe.
01-31-2023
Suzanne Revers []
I STONGLY OPPOSE SF 83. Gender identity is in direct contrast to science/biology and impossible to create a curriculum. Leave this hot topic to the work of the parents. The schools need to stick to teaching the core subjects (reading, math and arithmetic.)
01-31-2023
Julia Comer []
I strongly oppose this bill. Its harmful, unnecessary, and cruel. LGBTQ+ people deserve respect and equal treatment. This is a blatant attempt to discriminate against Iowans and should not be passed.
01-31-2023
Andrea Frantz []
SF83 is inherently unconstitutional as it imposes restrictions on freedom of speech. This proposal encroaches on academic freedom and intentionally marginalizes our most vulnerable students. I vehemently oppose this legislation and call it out for its overt bigotry. The majority of Iowans do not want this cultural step backwards. Vote NO on SF83.
01-31-2023
Jocelyn Krueger []
Please oppose SF 83. As a transgender Iowan and a parent of 4, two of which are still in school, this bill sends the wrong message and is harmful to families like mine. Our youngest is in 2nd grade and has two trans parents and several trans and queer siblings. We are as proud of her as she is of us. Like her peers, she incorporates family stories into her schoolwork across subjects, from math story problems, to art, and reading and writing. A part of the learning of all students in her class is teachers and other children sharing, asking questions and followups about their work. Families are a key way in which kids can relate to and learn lots of different topics. Our 2nd grader's work includes queer and trans stories, because her family embodies queer and trans identities and it can't help but be discussed in school. Our family trips camping, scouting, and to Pride events are shared alongside other kids stories about gardens and church picnics. Our kids drawing of trans people are talked about alongside other kids drawings of grandparents. There is nothing in this bill, the rhetoric behind it, or the comments supporting it that explicitly say discussions about our family in school are okay. In fact, it says the opposite. It says that our family cannot be talked about and must be hidden. This opens our kid up to feeling shame, anger, and to being bullied and makes school an unsafe environment for LGBTQ kids and their families.
01-31-2023
Suzanne Revers []
CORRECTION: Initially I misread the Bill and instead I STRONGLY SUPPORT bill S.F. 83The curriculum provided to students in accordance with this subsection shall not include instruction relating to gender identity as defined in section 216.2.I agree gender identity should not be taught in our schools.
01-31-2023
Nadilia Gómez []
I am against SF83. To create an appropriate space for learning at all ages, inside and outside the classroom, teachers must be able to provide instruction that enables all children to feel included and safe. LGBTQ individuals of all ages need to feel welcome and included in Iowa schools. SF83 compromises teachers ability to create safe environments for LGBTQ students.
01-31-2023
Heidi Washington []
I am a public school teachers and I HATE teaching SEL and anything related to gender. We are lying to these kids. If we would back off with this and just allow our kids more free play(without stepping in every time something makes them unhappy), they would learn to selfregulate. Instead we try to make our kinders act like 2nd graders when that's not age appropriate. Parents need to step up and teach kids these things. As a parent, I do not want the school teaching my kids how to handle life situations. I want to teach them, how I believe they should handle things. Schools need to stick to the basicsreading, writing and math. Get rid of SEL, get ride of common core and let us decide what or students need.
01-31-2023
Melanie Hauser []
Not talking about something doesn't make it cease to exist, it just exacerbates stereotypes and ignorance. Conversation that leads to healthy dialogue allows people to make informed decisions that can benefit everyone. I urge you to vote NO on this proposal.
01-31-2023
Sean McRoberts []
I oppose this bill and the several others that target trans people, especially children, in our state. As you take up these legislative proposals, it is essential that you recognize the impact that our state policies have on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people, and especially children and youth. This bill has life or death implications for LGBTQ youth."Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, LGBTQ+ youth are at increased risk for having STB. Identityspecific stressors such as homonegativity and antiqueerness are among the unique factors posited to contribute to this risk and inhibit factors that protect against suicide...Beyond their role as a primary access point for behavioral health services, schools offer a unique opportunity to support suicide prevention by combating minority stressors through promoting positive social relationships and a safe community for LGBTQ+ students." (The roles of school in supporting LGBTQ+ youth: A systematic review and ecological framework for understanding risk for suiciderelated thoughts and behaviorsMarisa E Marraccini, Katherine M Ingram, Shereen C Naser, Sally L Grapin, Emily N Toole, J Conor O'Neill, Andrew J Chin, Robert R Martinez Jr, Dana Griffinhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35190078/)
01-31-2023
Willa Casstevens []
Please vote against this bill. I am a clinical social worker with 15 years of practice experience in mental health, followed by more than a decade of experience teaching at the graduate level. There are many misunderstandings involved and a great deal of stigma, both of which can only hurt our kids.
01-31-2023
Erin Billings []
Please pass this bill! I am in support of this bill because Iowans support the protection of innocent children. My children ages 14 and 19 are under constant attack by this Queer theory and indoctrination. This is not an appropriate topic for schools at any age period! These are topics for parents. It seems to me that my daughter is the one under constant barrage from the activists on this issue that are everywhere! It is clear from many of these comments that the only desire is to promote LGBT at every opportunity. These topics should be handled at home rather than in the school. There is NO need to have these topics in our schools! Please pass this bill for Iowans. We believe in freedom not subjugation to activists pushing personal agendas to other people's children. Follow the example of Florida, Tennessee, and many others and stop these discussions in schools!
01-31-2023
Julie Ann []
There is a war being waged for control of the hearts and minds of our children. Every day, kids of all ages are bombarded with satans lies that war against their Godgiven identities and destinies. Many of our schools and universities are openly teaching demon doctrines ( 1 Timothy 4:1). Traditional sexual identity is unfortunately being redefined, gender confusion has been declared normal, and the definitions of woman and mother are being defiled. Our childrens minds are being attacked daily with nonsense and deception. We need to be aware of what this really is and does. And it needs to stop. We should be encouraging the children of our day (tomorrows adults) to embrace who they were created to be. We should be helping them with acceptance of who they are and not confusing them. That confusion that can only cause damaging scars for years to come. I am for this bill SF83.
01-31-2023
Chelsea Sims []
Absolutely opposed to any bill that denies the humanity of a group of people and ignores the existence of valued members of our community. It is antiAmerican and anti First Amendment and completely discriminatory.
01-31-2023
Janaha Cook []
I support this bill. Lets focus on teaching the fundamentals of education such as math, English, geography (our current students are not required to learn the geography of the United States).
01-31-2023
Anna Holstine []
This is a bad bill. A child knows what his parents think and how they will likely react. Teachers should not be forced to disclose to parents information that they may have received in confidence. Im disgusted by morality police mentality that has taken over our state government. VOTE NO!
01-31-2023
Jill C []
Please leave children alone. Let them be kids. This is not something that needs to be pushed on anyone. Let kids decide for themselves instead of forcing things like this on them.
01-31-2023
Van Housen Stephanie []
I do not supportthis hate filled bill. It is our legislators responsibility to protect all of Iowas people. This bill does the opposite and will cause harm to our kids. Stop the hate.
01-31-2023
Ally Craig []
I am in favor of this bill. As a parent of 3 young children, I am concerned for the amount of parenting we let our schools and government do. If our children have any issues with gender or anything else, it is a parents job to lovingly guide themnot the bias and opinions of their teachers and schools.
01-31-2023
Janice Wagner []
I SUPPORT Bill SF 83.
01-31-2023
Amanda Mosley []
Please keep any and all gender affirming curriculum for all students. Teaching students the difference between sex assigned at birth, gender expression, and gender are all valuable lessons to help all students recognize the spectrum of identities that we beautifully bring to the classroom. All students should get to explore who they are and what that means, and removing gender affirming language for all humans is dangerous and deadly. Please consider the lives of our trans and nonbinary students, and how gender affirming language can statistically and literally save their lives. Please don't take away our ability to educate all children.
01-31-2023
Jackie B []
When we talk about supporting mental health, supporting the health of the whole child must be considered. Giving the silent treatment to children and their families by not allowing kids to speak about themselves and blocking the ability of teachers to help facilitate a conversation is harmful and hateful. This bill is dangerous to the lives of children and could cause fear among teachers about what can be discussed and how when topics arise, as they do in schools. Putting families in a position to conduct legal action around a topic that is relevant to the lives of Iowa children makes me nervous for the safety of students and families.
01-31-2023
Erin Foster Hartley []
I do not support this bill. Trans adolescents experience suicidal ideation at a rate five times that of cis adolescents (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35667666/) and this would further stigmatize them. We should be focusing on developing better mental health resources for children, not erasing identities and stirring up hate for political points.
01-31-2023
Stacy Claeys []
We should be supporting our kids, not marginalizing them!
01-31-2023
B Kelly []
Please explain who you are attempting to protect with this bill?Let's be truthful. This bill will not stop people from being gay,trans or lesbian. It will push families further a part. It will not save souls. It will push them further away from the church. This bill is a template to write some egregious Jim Crow laws to control people society find undesirable. Please know that God makes no mistakes and putting things into laws that places judgement on what God gave purpose beyond our understanding, only places us in the sit of being judged Again, be truthful about the purpose of this bill. The truth might be rooted in hate and not understanding.
01-31-2023
Matthew Browning []
This bill will HARM our (statistically) most vulnerable children! REJECT this bill and others that would harm trans youth!!!!!
01-31-2023
S Deyoe []
I grew up when friends could not come out and live their lives freely. For all this party talks about freedom, you seem against just letting people, kids, live their lives freely. Who will be left in Iowa when you finish trying to silence everyone you don't like or agree with?
01-31-2023
Laurence Imich []
I am opposed to this bill.
01-31-2023
Eric Saylor []
This is not just an incredibly meanspirited bill meant to discriminate, but also one of the most poorly worded I have ever seen. Under these conditions, it could be illegal to make a statement like "Kamala Harris is the first woman to serve as VicePresident of the United States" because it refers to her gender identity. This is an unnecessary bill that solves no problems and is *intended* to marginalize LGTBQ students and prohibit any discussion of related subjects in the classroom. That, in itself, is enough reason to oppose this bill; the actual language in it makes it completely impossible to enact in the first place, and a waste of time to consider.
01-31-2023
Melinda Burriola []
It is my right and responsibility to instill the values, morals and ethics of my choosing not the school or teachers. Exposing these kids to what isnt even present in their though process at the elementary level is indoctrination. My child goes to school to learn basic academic skills, not to be in doctrinated I will only have to undo what I BELIEVE is harmful and confusing to my child. It is harmful to children if they are being taught the opposite at home. Leave our children alone and stop trying to take our rights as parents away. I do not want my child exposed to gender identity, transgender, etc. If it is not about reading, writing and all other academic subjects, leave it out of the schools!
01-31-2023
Myke Selha []
If SF 83 passes, every legislator who votes in favor of it will bear a responsibility for any transgender child who dies by suicide.
01-31-2023
Jen Panther [N/A]
As a mother, the thought of this bill existing breaks my heart. What is WRONG with this state. I used to be proud to be from this state, now I want nothing more than to leave as soon as I can.The more educated that people are, regardless of age, toward the many differences that people have, the kinder we can be in accepting others. Learning is not indoctrination, it is simply educational. Heaven forbid parents sit down with their kids and have a healthy conversation about what they learn in school. You can't be afraid to discuss hard topics with our kids...that is hiding them from the reality of the world we live in.
01-31-2023
Susan Shinnick []
As the mother of a nonbinary child I am against this bill. By not accepting a person's self identity, we literally put their life at risk,through potential self harm. I wish people would open their minds to the range of gender identity and not focus on policing other people, especially lgbtq+ children and adults. Schools need to teach acceptance of all different kinds of people including lgbtq+ individuals.
01-31-2023
Derek Johnk []
Trans people are people.We are not deviants (I cant believe I have to say this).All the horror and fear of us would be better suited to fear religious leaders and GOP lawmakers, as their occurrence of child molestation is much higher than the trans community.If youre gonna be scared of someone, be scared of the people actually abusing children.
01-31-2023
Kristen Mead [--None--]
I strongly oppose SF 83. This bill does not help children or teachers in any way. Talking about gender identity does not confuse children, and in fact will save lives because you are accepting and understanding those around you. Teachers will continue to teach their subjects and be able to support and respect their students. This bill needs to go!
01-31-2023
Brenda Sandburg []
This bill should be passed by any representative that truly cares for our families. Parents need to be the responsible party for knowing what and when their child is ready for any of this information. The government or school administration should have nothing to do with this topic, especially at this young age.
01-31-2023
Charles Harbour []
Opposed.We have many, many more urgent issues than this.
01-31-2023
Tammy Nordstrom []
I oppose this bill. Ignorance breeds hatred and we already have plenty of that here in Iowa. These children you speak of let's not take them back to the whispers of the 50's.
01-31-2023
M L Schabacker []
I oppose this bill.I am ashamed of & embarrassed by any legislation that in this manner singles out a specific group of law abiding Iowans.Please focus your energy on legislation that addresses issues that affect every Iowan in their daily lives.
01-31-2023
Sabrina Martinez []
As a medical professional, I oppose this legislation. No indication it would benefit any Iowan, and it has the potential to cause undue harm to a minority of Iowans. We risk increasing mental health crisis and suicidal ideation among targeted individuals. Dr Sabrina MartinezBoard Certified Family Medicine Physician
01-31-2023
Laura W []
I support this bill as this curriculum should not be taught in our schools. It should be a parents choice on when to discuss these topics with their children.
01-31-2023
Kathy Meyer []
Please vote no. Not talking about these issues with children will not make them go away. Allow children the ability to accept themselves and others for who they are. I would wager those who purposed this bill have not known a transgender child or worked with children. Speaking as a retired teacher, it would be heartbreaking to be a classroom teacher under your legislation so many bad and hateful bills. Do you ever listen to the educators or are you determined to drive all teachers out of the profession?
01-31-2023
Nicolle Hook []
Educating children about gender and gender identity is not harmful. However, it is harmful to deny the existence of a gender spectrum and individuals whose biological sex does not match their gender expression. Education is power. Kids can choose what they do with the information they are given based on their own values, but they shouldn't be denied the ability to learn about the world around them. Your job is to represent the best interest of Iowans. LGBTQ+ youth are more than 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. In order to protect these kids, we must not allow our education system to deny their existence. If we truly value the lives of Iowa youth, we will prioritize educating kids in ageappropriate language about all aspects of the world around them.
01-31-2023
Ash Jimenez []
I oppose this bill. As a child as young as 8 I knew I did not identify with the gender I was assigned at birth. It was part of me before I knew the words for it, and even before I knew it was out of the ordinary. I wish I had been able to learn about LGBTQ topics at that age. I was delighted to learn that resources are being offered to children at the elementary school that I attended. Please do not take this away from them.Being queer is not inherently sexual. Learning to express one's identity is vital to both physical and mental health. Avoiding LGBTQ topics will only bring harm.All children are exposed to the concept of gender from birth regardless of their identity. Children have and will always have a concept of gender and gender identity whether or not they are specifically taught it.
01-31-2023
Lindsey Schluckebier [Iowa City CSD]
I am opposed to this bill as it is harmful to kids. It will have a negative impact on mental health and ability to understand and learn alongside those who are different than oneself. Please do not move forward with this bill.
01-31-2023
Mandy Newton Rosenow []
Please vote NO on SF 83. This bill will make it difficult for LGBTQ families to feel included in our community. We should not be discriminating against Iowans or telling our children that certain people and families are wrong, which is what this bill implies. Our children live in our communities, they will know LGBTQ people, they may have classmates that have same sex parents, it is confusing if they can not ask questions or be taught about families and all the ways they may come together. This bill is mean spirited, is not solving any problems and will lead to lawsuits which the state will have to pay to defend. It may cause businesses to move to/chose other states, we may lose athletic and conference revenue as companies will not feel their employees are welcome here. This bill is bad for our state and our citizens.
01-31-2023
Jacob Golbuff []
The agenda of the right and GOP is clear. This bill directly benefits no one and directly harms the young people of our state. It is for no other reason than to erase a specific group, who are contributing members of society. We rush private school vouchers through and immediately cut public funding. Unbelievable
01-31-2023
Diane Shaw []
I support SF83. Because I support the straightforward right for all children to have a real education just like I had. People in general can find their own ways to be mislead in life. People in leadership positions should not be leading children there.
01-31-2023
Jonathan Sims []
I oppose this bill. It's harmful to LGBTQ+ students, in particular trans students. We need to support young people while they grow and figure out who they are.
01-31-2023
Lisa Bradley []
I am vehemently OPPOSED to SF83. As a parent of a trans child, I know that children are forming ideas of gender identity long before grade 8. This bill would exacerbate the difficulties that trans children already experience by imposing silence on them and forbidding their expression of their lived experience. Ignoring LGBTQIA people or pretending that they don't exist is damaging to children and their families and therefore contrary to good public education. Iowa legislators must serve ALL their constituents, even those belonging to marginalized groups. Any Iowa legislator of integrity will denounce this bill as hate and fearmongering and steer legislative attention to issues that actually serve the public good.
01-31-2023
Nichole Eden []
I strongly oppose this legislation. Declaring...legislating..that certain people's lived experiences should not be spoken of does not promote the health of Iowa communities. Let's trust our educators to address these topics as they arise in the context of their particular classrooms. Let's also trust parents to have conversations with their children regarding their personal beliefs. We all want schools to be safe places, where ALL students feel welcomed and known, and this bill does not support that end.
01-31-2023
Katie Nazzaro []
This legislation will hurt Iowa youth. I am strongly AGAINST SF83.
01-31-2023
Sandy David []
I strongly support this bill. Transgender identity does not need to be taught in the public schools. There should be a special place provided for those who seek and need advice on gender identity outside of the public school system. I do not feel that other students need to have this instruction in a classroom. Their minds are young and vulnerable and they may think that oh this is a choice that I can change to another gender. When really they are too young to be exposed to this type of instruction. Students need to be learning the curriculum, reading, writing, arithmetic, history,etc. that we learned When We Were in school from 50 plus years ago. Please pass this bill and let our children focus on a good strong education that they need.
01-31-2023
Dana Blomberg []
Gender identity curriculum has a much more sinister purpose behind their desire to use such forms of education. We need to strongly oppose this for their protection. This is not about discrimination.
01-31-2023
Sister Mary Rehmann [Congregation of the Humility of Mary]
there are more important things to spend your time on, like fully funding public schools, and increasing the tax rate to include $$ for our natural resources including lakes, streams and state parks. Our environment needs attention and the public voted for that measure many years ago.
01-31-2023
Ashleigh Sheehy []
Keeping sexual manipulation out of our children education is extremely important. SF 83 is one step towards keeping all children safe. I strongly support SF 83.
01-31-2023
Ben Whitver []
I am in opposition to this bill and the Iowa GOP's continued attacks on the most marginalized of Iowan's. This is an attempt at a 'Don't Say Gay' bill. Don't teach Black history, Don't say gay, immigrants are bad....Shameful what MAGA has done to decent Iowan's and this state
01-31-2023
Michelle Veach []
I am in favor of SF 83. Gender Identity should not be introduced to K8 and I further ask it be amended to include K12. Gender Dysphoria is a mental illness, as per the DM5. It is the only mental illness that we AFFIRM as opposed to correct. We don't AFFIRM bulimia, anorexia or multiple personalities. Introducing this concept to kids is grooming to put it in their minds, that they can CHOOSE their sex. Please, don't allow our schools to TEACH kids to be mentally ill.
01-31-2023
Kevin Hook []
As someone with a degree in adolescent development and a background of religious middle school and high school nonprofit work, I STRONGLY oppose this bill. Adolescents' minds are forming during these critical years, and they are trying to understand themselves and the world around them. Why add ambiguity by depriving information from them? Historically, that does not have the effect the people withholding information hope it has.
01-31-2023
Sarah Chang []
I STRONGLY OPPOSE SF83, and anyone who truly cares about Iowas kids and their wellbeing as members of society should too. Gender identity is not even a sexual concept, and those who say it is are either grossly misunderstanding or deliberately twisting it, which is all the more reason for clarification of such concepts to be valued, especially in educational settings. There are no required classes about LGBTQ+ issues in Iowas school districts, nor would there be without legislation like this. Students work and class discussions often end up relating back to their own identities, and not to allow ageappropriate explanation of gender identity on the occasion that it gets brought up by students would be downright irresponsible. The idea that such discussions could teach or even encourage a child to become trans is as absurd as thinking that discussions about disability could encourage a child to become disabled. You will not change or erase trans students by passing this, and allowing them to feel safe and be better understood by their classmates in no way endangers said classmates. But it does endanger trans folks of all ages by sending the message that they should not exist, which leads to violence by ignorant people literally forcing them not to exist (even as far as murdering them, which we have seen escalate nationally since the recent increases in legislation like this), because it implies that they are subhuman. And that is absolutely unacceptable. Iowa is better than that. Show it by not advancing SF83, or any similar bill.
01-31-2023
Meg T []
As an educator, I wholeheartedly oppose any action that will discriminate against students. Furthermore, as an American, I support civil rights for all including students. This would be a violation of their civil rights under Title IX and therefore antiAmerican. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bans discrimination on the basis of sex by public schools, and the Supreme Court held in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County) that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is sex discrimination. Thus, Title IX prohibits students from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, this kind of rhetoric is out of touch with what is actually being taught in schools. Children are already learning ageappropriate topics in school. Anyone who says otherwise needs to strongly consider actually spending time in a school and seeing what the curriculum looks like. Furthermore, I find it reprehensible and disgusting that lawmakers are constantly thinking about the sexual identity of protected citizens under 18. This should be considered harassment and sexual exploitation of minors.Our students are scared. Families are leaving the state en masse. Proposals like this will not only violate federal law, but they will kill kids and the Iowa economy.
01-31-2023
Sara Ferneding []
I STRONGLY support this bill. Gender identity teaching has no place in schools. It goes against my religious & moral beliefs and I do not want this ideology taught to my kids by teachers who do not share my values!! This is a subject to be discussed at home. Not forced upon my children under the false premise of inclusivity. This is straight up mental abuse & indoctrination of children! It has to stop.I have tried for 4 years to get my child help with spelling & have been told spelling is no longer taught after 3rd grade, kids have spell check on their electronics now so they can use that, kids should read more to help them with their spelling & the teachers have so many other things to focus on they don't have time to teach spelling after 3rd grade. But we have time to teach kids false narratives about being able to choose their genders?? We need to get our priorities back to academic education. Gender & sexual preference teachings do not belong in schools. The education system has fallen off track & is being rerouted to ideology teachings that do not belong in schools. We need to stick with the basics & leave the gender & sexuality topics where they belong which is at home.Teaching gender identity confuses the young minds of children who do not fully comprehend gender. Teaching them you can choose your gender or identify as a different gender is mental abuse and need to stop. I appreciate the added civil action protections for parents so they have reasonable means by which to protect their children from schools who do not follow this law and agencies that refuse to enforce them.I would also like to see the original bill language amended to remove teaching about HPV vaccines. Vaccines are medical procedures that should only be discussed with ones medical provider. Not a teacher or school nurse who does not know each individual students health history or is not licensed to practice medicine.
01-31-2023
Evan Hartley []
I am shocked by this bill, and I strongly oppose it. This bill seeks to disregard the lived experiences of so many students in the state. It's passage will result in vulnerable populations of Iowans being pushed toward the shadows. Public school should embrace all. Every student deserves to be accepted for who they are and treated with respect. I struggle to understand how anyone might see the damage this bill will do to Iowa students.