Political ideology in education is becoming a key issue in the 2024 Iowa gubernatorial race, driven by concerns from advocacy groups and parents regarding classroom content. The groups Moms for Liberty and Annie’s Foundation, representing opposing viewpoints, both express discontent over the increasing politicization of school curriculums.
Jennifer Turner, the chair of Polk County’s Moms for Liberty, withdrew her son from public school due to curriculum concerns. She reported that her nine-year-old biracial son expressed feelings of distress over his racial identity, prompting her to investigate the source of these feelings. Turner concluded that his worries stemmed from classroom materials rather than peer influence.
“When we’re putting this in front of them and telling them they’re different because of the color of their skin, that’s where the problem lies,” Turner stated, highlighting her belief that schools are fostering division based on race.
Annie’s Foundation emerged as a response to complaints from Moms for Liberty regarding certain books in the school district, including “The Hate U Give” and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” This situation has led to broader legislative action, such as Senate File 496, which restricts certain books and mandates parental notification for students requesting accommodations related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
Sara Parris, president of Annie’s Foundation, noted the significant rise in book removals from Iowa schools, claiming that the number increased from 3,400 to over 5,000 in just a year. She described an incident where a member of Moms for Liberty attempted to remove all books not authored by white individuals from a high school English curriculum.
In response, Turner denied these claims, asserting that the focus of their concerns is the sexual content in some literature, particularly in “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.”
As the gubernatorial race progresses, both candidates have indicated they will address these education-related issues. Democrat Rob Sand emphasized a desire to keep political agendas out of classrooms, stating, “Like most Iowa parents, we want to focus on math and reading, not political agendas from either extreme.” He also signaled opposition to future book bans.
Republican candidate Zach Lahn has taken a more aggressive stance, stating he would revoke teaching licenses for educators who promote political views in the classroom. Lahn criticized current education practices, claiming, “Too many schools today teach kids to hate our country, our history and our religion.”
Turner expressed uncertainty about Sand’s policies and stated she had not received a response from him regarding meeting with Moms for Liberty. Meanwhile, while Parris identifies with Sand’s platform, she noted that he has not clearly communicated how he would address the existing book bans.
Joshua Brown, president of the Iowa State Education Association, counters claims that educators are instilling hatred for America, calling such assertions unfounded and harmful. He stated that attacks on teachers create a mistrust that is not based on factual evidence.
The gubernatorial candidates will likely continue to navigate these contentious issues as they seek to resonate with Iowa voters leading up to Election Day.
