Dorman relies on name-calling, browbeating

Todd Dorman’s recent editorial accuses Republicans of endorsing prejudice, with most of his article being spent browbeating them on the direction of the state. To drive his point home, he ends by calling Republicans weak, fearful, cruel, and racist. When your argument relies on name-calling, it’s already lost.

Dorman claims that Iowa “declared war on transgender Iowans.” He argues transgender kids are being targeted because teachers can’t teach about LGBTQ+ topics until after sixth grade and because books describing or depicting sex acts are banned in school libraries. I have no issue with either policy. Parents—not schools—should guide their children on these subjects. I don’t want to give a liberal educator, or school board, the opportunity to push hidden agendas.

Dorman also criticizes Iowa for barring transgender individuals from restrooms and locker rooms that don’t match their biological sex. What he leaves out is that a majority of Americans—not just Iowans—are uncomfortable with biological males in female restrooms, locker rooms, or sports.

He then defends diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which expanded nationwide after the death of George Floyd. The University of Iowa embraced them fully until the Board of Regents eliminated all DEI programs. While Dorman insists DEI promotes diversity, I’m reminded of a fitting quote: “The next time academics tell you how important DEI is, ask them how many Republicans they have in their sociology department.”

I suspect the same lack of diversity applies to much of the mainstream media, including The Gazette.

Renee Harrison

Cedar Rapids