Court says Iowa schools can ban books, speech on LGBT topics
DES MOINES — A law allowing Iowa schools to block teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ related topics in kindergarten through sixth grade classes is enforceable again, an appeals court said Monday. The ruling also allows Iowa to ban books in K-6 classrooms and libraries. The Iowa Legislature passed the law in 2023, and it was in effect for part of the 2024-25 school year. Two different lower courts blocked the book ban and partially lifted the restriction on what teachers can cover. A lawyer representing Iowa Safe Schools, which has fought against the law, said this isn’t the end of their fight.
Four Black community leaders honored by Iowa City NAACP
IOWA CITY — Four Black leaders in Iowa received awards from the Iowa City NAACP chapter on March 28. Teacher and school administrator Marian Coleman received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while former Johnson County supervisor and restaurant owner Royceann Porter received the Legacy Award. Pastor and youth advocate Frederick Newell received the Trailblazer Award, and State Senator Renee Hardman received the Female Leader of the Year Award. Hardman was also the keynote speaker, talking about the importance of action in advocacy.
Submissions open till June 1 for 'Always Here' collaborative album
Trans and nonbinary Iowans can get their art out there and support the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund by submitting work to the upcoming album, “Always Here: A Compilation of Sounds from Iowa.” Always Here is looking for songs, noise and poetry from trans and nonbinary artists. They first released a compilation album last year; it featured 16 artists on 20 tracks. All sales go to the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund. Submissions are due by June 1. For more information, email earlygirlband@gmail.com.
