Iowa House Bill HF2396

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24

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, the use of student names as listed in school registration forms or records, or for the failure to use personal pronouns in official communications, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly HF 2139.)

Impact

If passed, HF2396 would significantly alter the approach educational institutions take regarding personal naming and identity management within the school environment. By prohibiting disciplinary actions based on best practices surrounding name usage, the bill empowers individuals to maintain their legal identity without fear of retribution. It would necessitate a reevaluation of existing school policies to ensure compliance with these new regulations, potentially affecting administrative protocols in schools across the state.

Summary

House File 2396 aims to prevent school districts and charter schools from imposing disciplinary actions against employees, contractors, or students solely for using legal names or student names as recorded in school documents. The bill explicitly states that addressing individuals using their legal names cannot result in any form of disciplinary measure. Furthermore, it also protects individuals from penalties for not using personal pronouns in official communications within educational settings.

Contention

Discussions around HF2396 may lead to contention regarding the implications of enforcing such protections on personal expression and identity within educational frameworks. Supporters argue that the bill promotes respect and recognition of individual rights, while opponents might raise concerns about its potential impact on workplace and educational environments, fearing it could create confusion over identity and accountability. The enforcement mechanisms through civil action reserve a pathway for employees to seek recourse if subjected to violations of the bill's stipulations, further complicating its implementation.