Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF382

Introduced
2/19/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to education, including by prohibiting the use of certain mascots to represent schools and institutions of higher education, establishing grant programs to assist schools and institutions of higher education in adopting alternative mascots, modifying provisions related to the Iowa tuition grants program, and making appropriations.

Impact

The bill establishes two grant programs – one through the Department of Education and another via the State Board of Regents – to assist schools and institutions in the financial burden of implementing these changes. These grants will help offset costs associated with replacing signage, uniforms, and educational materials related to the transition away from discriminatory mascots. The funding for these programs will be appropriated from the general fund of the state starting in the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025, through September 1, 2027, when these provisions will be repealed.

Summary

Senate File 382 aims to address the use of discriminatory mascots by public educational institutions in Iowa. Specifically, the bill prohibits the adoption or continued use of mascots that are deemed discriminatory, particularly those that reference or are associated with disabilities. Educational institutions must review their current mascots and transition to compliant alternatives by conducting this review within one year of the bill's effective date. Institutions currently using such mascots will be allowed to retain certain existing materials and uniforms until September 1, 2027, provided they meet established transition requirements.

Contention

The implications of SF382 will likely stimulate significant discussions among educational institutions and advocacy groups. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step in promoting inclusivity and respect in educational environments, while opponents may view it as an undue interference in local customs and identities. By establishing a clear delineation on what constitutes a discriminatory mascot, the bill seeks to create a more equitable educational space but may face resistance from institutions hesitant to change long-standing symbols.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF2704

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF2347

A bill for an act relating to education, including by requiring community colleges and certain private institutions of higher education to publish information related to the average income and student debt of graduates, requiring school districts to provide students enrolled in grades eleven and twelve with information related to the average income and student debt of graduates of postsecondary institutions in the state, and modifying provisions related to supplementary weighting.(See HF 2615.)

IA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

IA SF2435

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, department of education, and state board of regents; modifying provisions related to compulsory education, open enrollment, the state board of regents presidential search committee, the Iowa tuition grants program, and the Iowa dyslexia board; establishing restrictions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents; providing penalties; and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 3201.) Effective date: 05/09/2024, 07/01/2024, 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF2558

A bill for an act relating to higher education, including by modifying the responsibilities of private institutions of higher education, community colleges, the state board of regents, and institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, modifying provisions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, tuition, and administrator hiring at state universities, membership of the state board of regents, and student-employer work and tuition programs at state universities and community colleges, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HF 2327.)

IA SSB1049

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 392.)

IA SF376

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

IA HF186

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa tuition grants program administered by the college student aid commission and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 421.)

IA SF392

A bill for an act relating to education, including eligibility for grants under the teach Iowa scholar program, licenses issued by the board of educational examiners, and the use of revenues from the district management levy, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1049.)

IA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

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