Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF420

Introduced
2/24/25  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to Native American mascots in schools.

Impact

The impact of SF420 on state laws is profound, as it aims to standardize school policies regarding mascots, ultimately leading to the removal of those deemed culturally insensitive. This legislation may prompt schools to undergo a review of their branding and mascot choices, potentially leading to considerable changes in school identities across the state. Furthermore, the bill represents an effort to align school practices with contemporary understandings of respect for Indigenous cultures, reflecting a growing movement towards inclusivity within the sphere of education.

Summary

Senate File 420 proposes to prohibit public and nonpublic schools in Iowa from using Native American mascots, symbols, or images in any form, including team names, logos, or letterheads, starting January 1, 2027. The bill specifically targets names or symbols that depict or reference Native American tribes, individuals, customs, or traditions, indicating a significant shift towards cultural sensitivity in educational institutions. Notably, schools that are under the control of a Native American tribe and governed by the Bureau of Indian Education are exempt from this prohibition, acknowledging their sovereignty and cultural autonomy.

Contention

Debate surrounding SF420 is likely to occur, highlighting a division between proponents who advocate for the removal of Native American mascots in order to promote cultural respect and opponents who may argue against government intervention in school identity matters. Proponents contend that such symbols perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to a misunderstanding of Native American cultures. Conversely, critics may emphasize local traditions and the historical significance of certain mascots, arguing that the bill undermines local control and cultural expression.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF402

A bill for an act prohibiting certain mascots in schools, and including effective date provisions.

IA HF2469

A bill for an act prohibiting the use of certain names, mascots, or related materials by public and accredited nonpublic schools and including effective date provisions.

IA SSB1145

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 496.)

IA HSB222

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, modifying provisions related to student health screenings and the curriculum in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, competent private instruction, and special education, making appropriations, and providing civil penalties.

IA HSB219

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(See HF 597.)

IA HF597

A bill for an act relating to education, including modifying provisions related to school district library programs and the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools.(Formerly HSB 219.)

IA HF2496

A bill for an act modifying provisions related to the responsibilities of nonpublic schools.

IA SF496

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including establishing a parent's or guardian's right to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, authorizing the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district to enroll the student in another attendance center within the same school district in certain specified circumstances, prohibiting instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in kindergarten through grade six, and modifying provisions related to student health screenings, school district library programs, the educational program provided to students enrolled in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools, other duties of school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, the department of education, the board of educational examiners, and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools, competent private instruction, and special education, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1145.) Effective date: 05/26/2023, 07/01/2023.

IA SF2223

A bill for an act relating to children and students, including by modifying provisions related to a parent's or guardian's rights to make decisions affecting the parent's or guardian's child, the educational program and human growth and development curriculum provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools, student health screenings, school district library programs, special education, and other duties of school districts and the governing boards of charter schools and innovation zone schools.

IA SF83

A bill for an act relating to instruction relating to gender identity in the curriculum provided to students enrolled in kindergarten through grade eight in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and charter schools and creating a private cause of action.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.