Reynolds’ book ban plan is dark irony

One would imagine that advocating for statewide book bans ("Reynolds: If one school removes a book, all schools should" Feb. 4) would be a red flag to our governor that she's wading into treacherous waters. But apparently neither Gov. Kim Reynolds nor the poorly-named "Moms for Liberty" is capable of pausing for self-reflection.

"If one Iowa school decides to remove a book from its library, all Iowa schools would be required to do the same under a proposal floated this week by Gov. Kim Reynolds at an event hosted by a national group that advocates for parents' rights in public education."

Beyond the absurdity of such a race to the bottom, where any single community's school board would be able to prevent an entire state from encountering materials they find "objectionable," lies a dark irony. It is not the "radical left" who is seeking to "cancel" views with which they disagree under penalty of law, but our own government that now seeks to further marginalize and silence any of its own citizens who do not subscribe to a blinkered vision of the American experience.

Once again, the Reynolds administration is sending clear signals to any young Iowan wishing to pursue a meaningful teaching career in our state: you're not wanted.

Eric Gidal

Iowa City

Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com