Linn-Mar school board declines to obey in advance

Linn-Mar’s school board showed some guts this past week.

Board members unanimously rejected a proposal for removing all mentions of “gender identity” from an array of district policies prohibiting discrimination.

This is, of course, in response to a new state law removing gender identity from a list of Iowans protected under the Civil Rights Act. Also, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders subjecting trans Americans to a wave of discriminatory actions.

But in the face of all of that, the Linn-Mar board unanimously shot down the proposal.

“For me, what it comes down to is this: Removing gender identity (from the policies) is not something we are legally required to do, as our attorney confirmed. This is a preemptive recommendation aimed at reducing a potential but albeit vague legal risk,” Linn-Mar school board member Melissa Walker said Monday, according to reporting by The Gazette’s Grace King.

“I personally believe it asks us to compromise too much of our own integrity as a district,” Walker said. “It would weaken the clarity of our own values and dilute our commitment to protecting all kids in our schools.”

Walker is right. A reading of the state law and Trump edicts shows no requirements directing school districts to strike any language from its policies.

So, board members aren’t obeying in advance. Other local governments could learn a lesson from Linn-Mar.

Of course, the decision raises risks. The board knows what this will get them.

The loud Order of Perpetual Outrage will launch hellfire and brimstone. There likely will be lawsuits. Conservative legal organizations will surely step in to protect us.

Republican luminaries will take the district’s name in vain, as they did in 2022.

I’ve read proponents of trans rights, such as myself, are letting our “feelings” cloud “reality” and science. Boys are boys, girls are girls. What’s wrong with you?

Gender affirming care has come under heightened scrutiny. Some researchers have argued that puberty blockers and hormones should not be prescribed for minors. That includes a survey of research commissioned by the Department of Health and Human Services. But other medical professionals and organizations have pushed back, arguing many kids benefit from treatment.

There has been too little research on how treatments affect kids, the survey contends. So, declaring the issue is settled is premature. Research will continue.

This is medical information that should be in the hands of families and physicians, not in the hands of politicians looking for excuses to approve malicious legislation.

Science shouldn’t give us permission to denigrate an entire group of people just because how they live makes some of us uncomfortable.

But women’s sports.

Banning transgender girls from girls’ sports in Iowa was the gateway drug leading to even more severe measures. Once the politically popular sports ban was law, our Republican-controlled Statehouse unleashed an onslaught of anti-trans bills affecting more than kids who want to play volleyball.

Republicans prohibited any mention of the existence of LGBTQ people in elementary schools. They banned books with LGBTQ themes from school libraries. They portrayed transgender girls as merely lying boys who want access to women’s restrooms and locker rooms. They made gender affirming care for minors illegal, even in defiance of parents.

And their most infamous achievement is Senate File 418, which removed trans Iowans from a list of groups protected by the Civil Rights Act. Not only are trans Iowans now vulnerable to discrimination, but it also prohibits them from existing in the eyes of state laws pertaining to documents, driver’s licenses, etc.

And when anyone questions the need for such severe measures, Republicans say, “Well, look at what they’re doing to women’s sports.” The NCAA reports that there are fewer than 10 trans athletes competing in athletics among more than 500,000 student athletes in NCAA competition.

It’s also reality that trans people will continue to exist and live in Iowa, no matter how much they are demonized. Instead of letting them live without bullying and harassment, we’ve decided to make their lives as miserable as possible to win votes and provide fodder for campaign ads. It’s worked like a charm. Congrats, GOP.

It will take guts to stand up for transgender Iowans. Democrats are skittish, with some blaming election losses on standing up for their rights. They’d rather talk about “kitchen table” issues.

Around kitchen tables, trans Iowans and their families are discussing where to move.

This is what happens when minority civil rights become a popularity contest. Rights are lost, and persecution fills the gap. The old saw says no one’s rights are secure if one group loses its rights. Fact Check -- true.

That’s also our reality, and it gives me a sinking feeling. Where does It end?

(319) 398-8262; todd.dorman@thegazette.com