ACLU and Lambda Legal Challenge Iowa's Education Law

The law, which restricts discussions of LGBTQ+ identities and mandates book removals from school libraries, faces legal opposition.

The ACLU of Iowa and Lambda Legal have filed a lawsuit challenging Iowa's Senate File 496, which restricts discussions of LGBTQ+ identities in schools and mandates the removal of books depicting sex acts from school libraries.
The law, which took effect in July, requires school officials to notify parents if a student requests to use a different name or pronouns, even if this could expose the student to harm.
The law has been compared to Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill as it prohibits instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in grades K-6.
Governor Kim Reynolds defended the law, stating it is intended to protect children from 'pornography and sexually explicit material'.
Penalties for violating the law, including potential loss of professional license or certification for educators, will take effect in January.