A bill that would require schools to notify parents of which gender pronouns are being used to describe students’ gender is stirring controversy in Iowa.
The new bill, Senate File 80, says that if a school employee or a school curriculum asks a student to identify which preferred pronoun they would like to be called, then parents must be notified about the request as well as the student’s response.
“The school district shall provide written notification of such action to the parent or guardian of the student at least one week before such action occurs,” the bill reads.
Gay, lesbian, and transgender advocacy groups are protesting the bill, arguing that parents being notified of the change in gender identification could cause damage to the children involved.
“We need to allow the coming out process to be in the hands of the person who is coming out,” said Keenan Crow, the director of Policy and Advocacy at One Iowa.
“We know the main reason people don’t come out is simply because of safety. We need to allow them to control their own safety and exposure to those risks,” Crow added.
The bill is supported by faith-based groups, including the conservative organization FAMiLY Leader.
“The FAMiLY Leader recognizes parents need greater — not less — influence, choice, and opportunity in their children’s education,” the group said in a statement. “This bill boils down to whether a child’s parents or the state should be guiding his or her sexual development. Schools should not be ‘transitioning’ children without informing their parents.”
