Iowa’s anti-trans bathroom law is anti-children

Iowa's anti-trans bathroom law traumatizes trans children. In a nutshell, the law tells people in our community they do not have the right to exist. Kids, who know exactly who they are, who had the courage to explain their heart to our Republican legislators, were disregarded. Their parents, who explained how their children's lives were saved by the acceptance of their identity, were ignored.

The bathroom law requires schools to designate bathrooms and locker rooms by "sex," as determined by an official birth certificate, effective immediately. When I called the governor's office to request guidelines for the new law, and resources to support the children in our district, I was told, "we do not have guidelines."

Parents sent their children to school after the bill was signed, not knowing what to tell them. And trans children went to school wondering if they would have to use a bathroom or locker room according to their birth certificate (some, for the first time). If a reader does not consider this traumatizing per se, I'm not sure how to connect with you (but there are some Republican legislators who can).

As we suspected, more harmful and bigoted legislation still is likely to pass in April. Senate File 496 requires school district employees to immediately notify parents if the employee believes a student has expressed a gender different from their birth certificate. Let that sink in. The bill would require district employees to assess … whether a child … is acting like a boy or a girl. Have we lost our minds?

Here's the thing, this is only the beginning. Iowa's governor and our Republican legislators (with some courageous exceptions) are following a national GOP playbook built on hating and blaming "the other," whether its people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ+, or women (e.g., don't say "period").

I am proud of the Iowa City Community School District’s response to the anti-trans legislation. Remember, our governor is warring against public education. She and most Republican legislators are looking for ways to undermine the education of the masses. The district must follow the law. But also remember that public education embraces every child. The ICCSD loves our trans children and employees. We will find ways to support and protect them.

Maka Pilcher Hayek is a member of the Iowa City Community School District Board.