DES MOINES, Iowa — For months, educators in Iowa have been finalizing their books lists and preparing for new changes under Senate File 496.
One of those changes will put pressure on schools and their staff members to abide by the law. Penalties will be enforced for those who don’t beginning on Jan. 1.
“Individuals will be held accountable for books that are on the shelves that may not meet the particular requirements of their law," said Mike Beranek, president of the Iowa State Education Association.
This means that any teacher who fails to remove a prohibited book or report a student’s request to change the name or pronouns on their registration will first be given a written warning by the department. If they violate the law a second time, their employment could be in jeopardy.
"This could mean possible loss of licensure, if they are found to be non-compliant with the law, which then would eventually possibly lead to termination of employment, and the inability to work in our public schools," Beranek told Local 5.
And these rules go beyond the classroom. Various staff members throughout every school will be expected to comply.
"It's not just classroom teachers," Beranek said. "It's counselors, school librarians, administrators as well.”
The proposed guidelines have faced opposition. Recent lawsuits have been filed by the ISEA, book publisher Penguin Random House and a group of students and parents.
A temporary injunction has been requested. If granted, a pause would be put on enforcing the law. The judge in both suits says he'll make a decision by the first of the year.
“Educators are here to help our children learn how to live in a democratic society," Beranek said. "When we start to have law policies put into place that restrict the access of materials, we really begin to look at it as a first amendment issue.”
If the injunction is not granted, those rules will go into effect in 2024.