Lawmakers Question School Officials on Gender Policies

U.S. House of Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing where lawmakers questioned school superintendents over their districts’ gender policies and parental rights. The superintendents from Chicago, San Francisco, and Loudoun County Public Schools faced inquiries regarding communication with parents about student gender transitions and activities like ‘Drag Queen Story Hour.’ They denied claims of withholding information from parents.

Iowa Teachers Reach Settlement in Drag Show Incident

Three Iowa teachers, involved in a controversy over a student-led drag show, settled a $150,000 civil rights lawsuit against the Ankeny Community School District. The district had disciplined the teachers for their participation in an event organized by Gender and Sexuality Alliance clubs at Ankeny High School and Southview Middle School, which included youth drag performers.

The teachers, Jill Bjorklund, Mollie Jo Blahunka, and PJ Hurley, were investigated after the event. The school district claimed the event did not have the necessary approval. However, Blahunka contended she coordinated with the school activities director for organizing the event.

Disputes and Settlement

All three teachers experienced disciplinary actions, including temporary suspension and a ban on sponsoring future school activities. Their lawsuit argued discrimination against their support for LGBTQ students, citing First Amendment violations. After extensive legal proceedings, each teacher received around $27,700 plus attorneys’ fees as part of the settlement.

Iowa’s ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ Law’

In May 2023, Iowa enacted a law known as SF 496, criticized as the ‘Don’t say LGBTQ law.’ It restricted discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation for young students, mandated parental notification for name or pronoun changes requested by students, and banned certain books from school libraries.