Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2338

Caption

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HF 2121.)

Impact

If passed, House File 2338 would significantly alter the instructional framework for many schools in Iowa. It aims to create a learning environment that does not address or include gender theory or sexual orientation as part of the curriculum, impacting subjects related to personal development, health education, and human growth. This restriction may change the way students learn about fundamental life skills and personal health topics, particularly during formative educational years when discussions about these issues are critical. The educational community has mixed opinions on this matter, with some supporting the bill as a means to uphold traditional values while others argue it could hinder the comprehensive education of students.

Summary

House File 2338 is a recent legislative proposal in Iowa aimed at prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any programs, curricula, tests, surveys, questionnaires, promotions, or instructions that relate to gender theory or sexual orientation for students in grades seven through twelve. This bill effectively extends an existing prohibition that currently applies only to students in kindergarten through sixth grade, thereby broadening its reach to older students within the educational system. The intent behind this legislation is to restrict discussions and teachings regarding gender and sexual orientation in these educational settings.

Contention

This legislation has sparked significant debate within the Iowa legislature and among the public. Proponents assert that the bill is necessary to protect students from what they perceive as inappropriate or controversial topics, believing these discussions should be conducted within the family rather than in schools. Conversely, opponents argue that this bill represents a harmful censorship that undermines students' rights to a well-rounded education. They contend that understanding gender and sexual orientation is vital to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, especially those who may identify as LGBTQ+. The pushback raises important questions around parental rights, educational freedom, and the role of schools in addressing social issues.

Companion Bills

IA SF2003

Similar To A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.

IA HF2121

Similar To A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 2338.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2121

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.(See HF 2338.)

IA SF2003

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation instruction in grades seven through twelve.

IA HSB84

A bill for an act prohibiting school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in grades seven through twelve.

IA SF175

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades five through twelve. (Formerly SSB 1028.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SSB3109

A bill for an act requiring school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to provide success-sequence education in grades seven through twelve.

IA SSB1028

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curricula provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades one through twelve.(See SF 175.)

IA HF391

A bill for an act incorporating provisions related to pregnancy and fetal development into the human growth and development and health curriculum provided by school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.(Formerly HSB 34.)

IA SF113

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 HF2392

A bill for an act implementing requirements related to the health instruction and health education instruction provided to students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools in grades one through twelve.

IA HSB278

A bill for an act relating to physical education requirements for students enrolled in grades seven through twelve in school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2069

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AZ HB4038

public schools; first day; restriction

MI HB4687

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MI SB0453

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

TX HB100

Relating to the purchase, adoption, and use of instructional materials by public schools.

CA AB1454

Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials.