Republican advocates have 'asserted' that the bill's stipulated history topics are not exclusive. However, I am confident that within a year, a parent will raise objections to books or classes that address slavery in Iowa classrooms, arguing that the bill did not explicitly require the discussion of slavery, let alone the indigenous people of Iowa, or any other controversial topics.
Parents or school board members will object to any discourse on Iowa's early commitment to providing guaranteed public education for all and the prohibition of racial discrimination in accommodations in the late 800s. The courageous action of Edna Griffin in 1948, when she sat at a whites only counter, will likely be omitted from discussions, as it could be perceived as negative or controversial. I can assure you that any conversation about Iowa's early advocacy for people with AIDS/HIV or any LGBT-related debates will also be avoided. Watch for the first group to protest any mention of 'sundown' laws.
The legislators' promises to Iowans that there is no cause for concern are meaningless. A common tactic employed during debates is for proponents to dismiss opposition concerns by saying, "don't worry, that won't happen," or "this is just a minor change." When combined with the prohibitions on teaching anything related to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), any discussions that do take place will likely be limited. I accept debates on how DEI can be taught. Iowa has never been an all-white state. It has a rich history of diversity, including Native American tribes such as the Meskwaki, or Sauk, Additionally, African Americans have been part of Iowa's history since its early days, with some arriving as free individuals and others as enslaved people. Immigrants from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, and Mexico, have also contributed to Iowa's cultural tapestry. I believe most Iowans agree it is important to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity in discussions about Iowa's history, if not we need diversity to economically survive. It may be important; nevertheless, any classroom discussion will be challenged.
As a result, students may come to believe that our history has always been one dominated by white, Anglo-Saxon, Northern Europeans. The head of Iowa's Department of Education made this claim in the early 80s and was criticized for it. He argued that Iowa’s high reading levels are attributed to these ethnic, and racial demographics. Combined with the neutering of our civil and human rights agencies and anti-immigrant laws, human dignity has been demoted and our state motto should be changed.
I follow your reporting. What you put the spotlight on is shocking. I will support your journalism in every way I can. Thank you for all you are doing.
Ed,
You are spot on with this article! The debate has been both alarming and frustrating.
Monica Kurth
House District 98
Republican advocates have 'asserted' that the bill's stipulated history topics are not exclusive. However, I am confident that within a year, a parent will raise objections to books or classes that address slavery in Iowa classrooms, arguing that the bill did not explicitly require the discussion of slavery, let alone the indigenous people of Iowa, or any other controversial topics.
Parents or school board members will object to any discourse on Iowa's early commitment to providing guaranteed public education for all and the prohibition of racial discrimination in accommodations in the late 800s. The courageous action of Edna Griffin in 1948, when she sat at a whites only counter, will likely be omitted from discussions, as it could be perceived as negative or controversial. I can assure you that any conversation about Iowa's early advocacy for people with AIDS/HIV or any LGBT-related debates will also be avoided. Watch for the first group to protest any mention of 'sundown' laws.
The legislators' promises to Iowans that there is no cause for concern are meaningless. A common tactic employed during debates is for proponents to dismiss opposition concerns by saying, "don't worry, that won't happen," or "this is just a minor change." When combined with the prohibitions on teaching anything related to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), any discussions that do take place will likely be limited. I accept debates on how DEI can be taught. Iowa has never been an all-white state. It has a rich history of diversity, including Native American tribes such as the Meskwaki, or Sauk, Additionally, African Americans have been part of Iowa's history since its early days, with some arriving as free individuals and others as enslaved people. Immigrants from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, and Mexico, have also contributed to Iowa's cultural tapestry. I believe most Iowans agree it is important to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity in discussions about Iowa's history, if not we need diversity to economically survive. It may be important; nevertheless, any classroom discussion will be challenged.
As a result, students may come to believe that our history has always been one dominated by white, Anglo-Saxon, Northern Europeans. The head of Iowa's Department of Education made this claim in the early 80s and was criticized for it. He argued that Iowa’s high reading levels are attributed to these ethnic, and racial demographics. Combined with the neutering of our civil and human rights agencies and anti-immigrant laws, human dignity has been demoted and our state motto should be changed.
I follow your reporting. What you put the spotlight on is shocking. I will support your journalism in every way I can. Thank you for all you are doing.