Iowa House Bill HF2139

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts and charter schools from taking disciplinary action against employees, contractors, or students for the use of legal names or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(See HF 2396.)

Impact

If enacted, HF2139 will significantly amend current policies governing disciplinary actions in educational environments, laying out clear guidelines that prevent punishment for supporting or upholding the use of legal names. Key provisions allow individuals who believe their rights under this new law have been violated to seek civil remedies, including reinstatement, back wages, and penalties for wrongful termination. Such mechanisms are intended to hold school authorities accountable, promoting adherence to the law while also balancing the rights of individuals.

Summary

House File 2139 seeks to establish protections for employees, contractors, and students within school districts and charter schools by prohibiting them from facing any disciplinary actions based on their use of legal names or for failing to use personal pronouns in official communications. The bill aims to create a more inclusive and respectful environment within educational institutions by ensuring that individuals are not penalized for simply adhering to traditional naming practices or for choosing not to engage in the use of particular pronouns publicly in communications. This legislative move signals an acknowledgment of the growing conversations around identity and language in educational settings.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for enhancing civil rights, it has also faced scrutiny for potentially causing friction within school communities. Opponents argue that by prohibiting the use of personal pronouns, the bill could undermine the complexities of gender identity and expression within educational settings. Concerns have been raised about whether the laws might clash with existing policies promoting diversity and inclusion, and how they might affect the dynamics among students and staff. The civil penalties included in the bill could lead to increased litigation within schools, raising questions about the administrative burden this may have on educational institutions enforcing compliance.