Who has a sinister agenda in Iowa?

At the opening of the Iowa legislative session Senate President Jake Chapman accused educators of having a sinister agenda toward the children of this state. Chapman's unfounded claims might be dismissed as part of the long-standing attacks Republicans have made against teachers and public schools as they move to privatize and funnel our state tax dollars into private, for-profit schools. But, what makes Chapman’s words dangerous is that he is in a position of power and there are those who feed on these types of lies and false accusations and use them as an excuse for violence. Chapman’s misconstrued false accusations have no place in our state Legislature.

Recently the Southeast Polk school board meeting was disrupted by a bomb threat and threats of a shooter. The violent threats and harassment of school board members have erupted over false claims and misinformation being pushed by outside groups and lawmakers who seek to divide Iowans.

Fortunately, Iowans know the importance of public education and they know how hardworking and diligent our public educators are. Iowans know that teachers are instrumental in creating the foundation for the future of our children in Iowa. Iowans know that Jake Chapman is wrong and that the only sinister agenda in Iowa is Republicans trying to censor our teachers and undermine our public schools.

Judy Chihak

Hiawatha