The Carlson family, residents of Iowa City, recently spoke out about the effects of Iowa’s book ban law and LGBTQ+ instruction laws during a follow-up interview on Senate File 496. This controversial law has led to the removal of roughly 150 books from more than 20 Iowa schools, not because they depict sex acts, but because they feature LGBTQ+ characters or themes. LGBTQ+ Iowans have expressed concerns that these removals equate to erasure, eroding their representation and visibility in educational settings.
The Carlson family’s concerns echo those of many other families and educators in Iowa who feel that the book ban law is limiting access to diverse perspectives and experiences for students. The law, known as Senate File 496, prohibits public schools from having books that depict or describe sex acts and also restricts instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation through the sixth grade. This has resulted in the removal of a wide range of books, including children’s literature that features LGBTQ+ themes.
Among the books that have been removed are nonfiction stories like „Who is RuPaul?“ and „What Was Stonewall?“ which highlight LGBTQ+ figures and historical events. Additionally, children’s books like „And Tango Makes Three“ and „My Moms Love Me“ have been taken off shelves in some schools. These removals have sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies who argue that these books are important for promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding among students.
The impact of Senate File 496 has been inconsistent across school districts, with some choosing to reshell the removed books after a federal judge’s injunction was lifted. However, the law has led to the removal of approximately 3,400 books from school shelves, including 990 unique titles. This has raised concerns about censorship and the limitations it places on students‘ access to diverse literature.
Critics of the law, including authors like Alex Gino, whose books have been banned in Iowa, argue that it stifles important conversations about identity, diversity, and acceptance. Gino’s novel „Melissa,“ which tells the story of a young transgender girl, has been removed from schools despite positive reviews and its potential to educate and inspire young readers. The removal of books like „Melissa“ and others with LGBTQ+ themes has been criticized as erasing important voices and perspectives from educational settings.
Trans student Elliot Sutton, a senior at Ankeny High School, expressed anger and fear about the impact of the book ban law on LGBTQ+ representation in schools. Sutton emphasized the importance of having diverse voices and stories in educational settings to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. His mother, Andy Sutton, an English teacher, also raised concerns about the damaging effects of the law’s restrictions on curriculum and literature.
While some lawmakers like Rep. Jeff Shipley have defended the law as a way to uphold community values and academic standards, others like Aime Wichtendahl have criticized it as government censorship and erasure. Wichtendahl, who is trans and running for Iowa House District 80, believes that the law is designed to intimidate and silence LGBTQ+ voices.
As the debate over Iowa’s book ban law continues, it raises important questions about censorship, representation, and the role of education in promoting diversity and inclusion. The Carlson family and other advocates are calling for a reevaluation of the law to ensure that all students have access to a wide range of perspectives and experiences in their educational journey.