Education
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Iowa school cancels African American Read-In, 1619 Freedom School steps in
Waterloo Schools pulled out of an event focused on promoting Black literacy over fears of losing federal funding under Trump’s new anti-DEI directives. In response, the 1619 Freedom School is stepping in to host its own event this Saturday. In a move that has drawn statewide attention, the Waterloo Community School District recently withdrew from…
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Drake University president, dean stand up for trans students despite Iowa law
An Iowa private college president and the college’s law school dean are standing up for their trans and nonbinary students in the wake of an Iowa law taking away trans civil rights. The law, passed by Iowa Republicans and signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, takes away civil rights protections from trans and nonbinary Iowans. It…
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Iowa Legislators advance bill to put free menstrual products in schools
A House Republican bill advanced that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products to students. The bill has bipartisan support, but the state won’t reimburse schools after three years. Legislation is advancing in Iowa this year that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products in at least half of school restrooms…
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State agencies block Auditor Sand during review of private school voucher program
The State Auditor is raising the alarm, saying state government is stonewalling his office over details on the state’s private school voucher program. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand said he has concerns about the $104 million school voucher program. According to an annual audit released this week, multiple state agencies refused to provide documentation about…
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Iowa bill pressures private colleges to ban diversity offices
A bill in the Iowa Legislature would force private colleges to choose between their work to diversify their staff and students and maintain eligibility for state tuition grants. Iowa Republicans want to get rid of offices that support diversity across the state. After forcing the public universities to comply with their anti-DEI witch hunt, private…
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House Republican proposal would increase public education funding above Reynolds’ proposal
The governor only wants a 2% increase to public school funding. Iowa Democrats have called for a 5% increase. House Republicans have released a school funding increase that would fall somewhere in the middle. Iowa House Republicans have agreed to a school funding proposal that is higher than the 2% increase agreed to by Gov.…
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Heartland AEA begins dramatic restructuring following Republican’s AEA changes and cuts
A state agency that supports students from kindergarten to age 21 with special needs is anticipating major restructuring and reductions in the coming year. This after Iowa Republicans’ law redirecting their funding and scope of service. Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) is bracing staff for even larger reductions in staff and services in response to…
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IA Republicans advance bill that could require schools to teach fetal personhood
Republican legislators advanced a bill requiring schools to show students in grades 7-12 videos about the stages of fetal development, without any requirements that the videos be scientifically or medically accurate.
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IA students question need for bill that allows for disrespecting names in school
A bill that would ensure there are no penalties for disrespecting students and school employees advanced through a House education subcommittee on Tuesday morning with support from Reps. Helena Hayes (R–New Sharon) and Henry Stone (R–Forest City). Rep. Heather Matson (D-Ankeny) did not support the legislation. The bill states that there should be no penalties…
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IA Republicans advance bill to make schools teach that life begins at conception
A bill requiring educators to teach students that life begins at conception was passed through a Senate subcommittee on Thursday by Sens. Jeff Taylor (R-Sioux Center) and Sandy Salmon (R-Janesville).
