Schools squeezed by legislature on books

Some parents complained a law was needed because school districts were not responding satisfactorily to requests to remove books.

So, the Legislature passed vaguely worded language to make school districts responsible for removing books that were not age appropriate. This went to the Iowa Department of Education (IDOE) for implementation. The law is now in effect. Schools are seeking clarification from IDOE on the vaguely worded language (which we understand has a differing interpretation by the House and by the Senate). IDOE is refusing to clarify the language for the school districts and leaving it up to them to implement the law.

So, here we are, back where we started, with school districts left to decide what is appropriate and what is not. Except now school officials are being squeezed between competing interest groups of parents; those who believe ignorance is protection and those who believe exposure to diversity and different life experiences are good things.

Congratulations to the Iowa Legislature on furthering division in the state. And now you are shouldering school officials with the burden and even worse consequences than before the law regarding decisions on what is appropriate for Iowa's school aged children.

All Iowans care about our children's' education. Decisions about education should have been left at the local level without state interference. It's the reason we have school board elections.

Susa Benderson

Cedar Rapids