Gazette: Iowa Republican lawmakers suggest criminalizing education

[cigaretteman]

“My warning to all the teachers and the administrators is you’re going to be in jail.”


Staff Editorial
Dec. 3, 2021 5:59 am, Updated: Dec. 3, 2021 8:03 am


Facebook

Twitter

Email

Print


Iowa’s Republican-controlled Legislature has advanced many bad ideas during the last several years. But legislation being proposed by two top Senate GOP leaders is downright chilling.

Senate President Jake Chapman recently attended a packed meeting of a committee in the Johnston School district addressing parent concerns about two books in the high school library. Some parents and Chapman believe the books, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie are inappropriate and obscene.

Chapman said he will seek to create a new felony offense for educators that disseminate obscene material. Sen. Brad Zaun, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee also supports such a move.

“My warning to all the teachers and the administrators is you’re going to be in jail. Because this is distributing pornography,” Zaun said.

No such bill should see the light of day at the Statehouse.

Johnston is among a trio of central Iowa districts where a series of books are being challenged by conservatives. Some are by LGBTQ authors and feature passages about sex. Chapman and others have held up those excerpts as proof the books are obscene.

Iowa’s current obscenity law says works, taken as a whole, that lack “serious literary, scientific, political or artistic value” can be considered obscene material. It’s difficult to argue these books, some award-winning, fit into this category. The current law also includes an exemption for libraries and educational institutions.

These books may make Republican legislators uncomfortable, but it’s not about them. They’re on library shelves so LGBTQ students and others can find people like themselves in literature written by authors who have had experiences relevant to their own lives.

School district teachers and staff make decisions frequently about the appropriateness of books and other educational materials for different age groups. We trust their judgment and see no need for legislative intervention, or for turning the decision making process into a political circus.

But the proposal advocated by Chapman and Zaun goes beyond the issue of local control. They’re seriously considering prosecuting teachers and staff for simply providing access to books the lawmakers personally find unsuitable. Such a law would be a reckless power grab and an affront to free expression. Even the suggestion of it will likely prompt schools to think twice about diversifying their library collections for fear of political retribution.

No such bill should see the light of day at the Statehouse. Chapman and Zaun should be looking for ways to support and improve public schools instead of making education a crime.

Iowa Republican lawmakers suggest criminalizing education

“My warning to all the teachers and the administrators is you’re going to be in jail.”

www.thegazette.com

 

[JRHawk2003]

Who in their right mind thinks this state is going in the right direction?

 

[cigaretteman]

Who in their right mind thinks this state is going in the right direction?

If you believe the polls, the majority of Iowans. Truly frightening.

 

[JRHawk2003]

Why would anyone educated and reasonable want to stay in Iowa? I grew up here sadly.

 

[torbee]

If you believe the polls, the majority of Iowans. Truly frightening.

Exactly.

The dumbening has accelerated.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

IowaDIOCRACY

 

[win4jj]

An Iowa education was once one of the reasons to live in Iowa. That is sadly disappearing.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

BTW, Sherman Alexie's response to one crusading woman calling his novel full of "depravity" said it best...


Does Ms. Gurdon honestly believe that a sexually explicit YA novel might somehow traumatize a teen mother? Does she believe that a YA novel about murder and rape will somehow shock a teenager whose life has been damaged by murder and rape? Does she believe a dystopian novel will frighten a kid who already lives in hell?

[. . .]

When some cultural critics fret about the “ever-more-appalling” YA books, they aren’t trying to protect African-American teens forced to walk through metal detectors on their way into school. Or Mexican-American teens enduring the culturally schizophrenic life of being American citizens and the children of illegal immigrants. Or Native American teens growing up on Third World reservations. Or poor white kids trying to survive the meth-hazed trailer parks. They aren’t trying to protect the poor from poverty. Or victims from rapists.

No, they are simply trying to protect their privileged notions of what literature is and should be. They are trying to protect privileged children. Or the seemingly privileged.

 

[ChiDoc]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

Criminalizing education?

A little over the top with that headline....

 

[SB_SB]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

When you start throwing teachers in jail for the books on the shelves, you need to take a serious look at yourself, because you're one step away from putting people in jail for any reason. That is the start of the end of our democracy.

 

[stout1]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

Here is the cool thing: I can actually disagree with both and have made that position known.

In fact, I think that a vast majority of left center and left posters on here think the push to eliminate advanced math is pretty dumb.

 

[Rifler]

Why would anyone educated and reasonable want to stay in Iowa? I grew up here sadly.

I think we are all sad about that...

 

[Chishawk1425]

Iowa is a MAGAT cesspool

 

[Tfxchawk]

I'm guessing this legislator is gay or privately into some really weird sex.

 

[ChiDoc]

When you start throwing teachers in jail for the books on the shelves, you need to take a serious look at yourself, because you're one step away from putting people in jail for any reason. That is the start of the end of our democracy.

Im sure people being thrown in jail for books is right around the corner, and that any such law would of course be constitutional, so this is very close to happening and a MUCH bigger threat to our democracy than the people who are literally ending the teaching of advanced math after they decided to shut down schools for the poorest kids in our country the last 18 months. You think cities have crime problems now? Just wait ten years after what teachers unions have done to the poorest people in the country over the last 18 months…

COVID school closures most harm students from poorest neighborhoods

School closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic are widening the learning gap between students in low-income and wealthier communities, a Yale study finds.

news.yale.edu

 

[Tom Paris]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

Yes...these are the only books Republicans want to ban.

 

[ChiDoc]

In fact, I think that a vast majority of left center and left posters on here think the push to eliminate advanced math is pretty dumb.

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you joking?

It’s not like they are doing this very thing in Virginia right now and the “vast majority of left center and left posters” didn’t call Virginia voters racist rubes a month ago…

 

[SB_SB]

Im sure people being thrown in jail for books is right around the corner, and that any such law would of course be constitutional, so this is very close to happening and a MUCH bigger threat to our democracy than the people who are literally ending the teaching of advanced math after they decided to shut down schools for the poorest kids in our country the last 18 months. You think cities have crime problems now? Just wait ten years after what teachers unions have done to the poorest people in the country over the last 18 months…

COVID school closures most harm students from poorest neighborhoods

School closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic are widening the learning gap between students in low-income and wealthier communities, a Yale study finds.

news.yale.edu

Think about the direction you're going. You're ok with throwing teachers in jail because of books. You view the remote schooling as even worse, so you're going to want to put teachers in jail for remote teaching. That will be your go to, anything/anyone that you don't like, put them in jail.

A lot of people were impacted by the pandemic, it's an pandemic. If you care about those poor kids, become a teacher. You can provide the books you want and teach the poor. Just be careful though, some republicans might not like the way you teach and you too might end up in jail.

 

[abby97]

Iowa is a MAGAT cesspool

So leave.

 

[ChiDoc]

Think about the direction you're going. You're ok with throwing teachers in jail because of books. You view the remote schooling as even worse, so you're going to want to put teachers in jail for remote teaching. That will be your go to, anything/anyone that you don't like, put them in jail.

A lot of people were impacted by the pandemic, it's an pandemic. If you care about those poor kids, become a teacher. You can provide the books you want and teach the poor. Just be careful though, some republicans might not like the way you teach and you too might end up in jail.

No genius, im not for it at all, Like most moderates I just find the hypocrisy of the Libs of HROT on education to be absolutely off the charts considering the disgusting treatment of our poorest citizens by the Democrat supported teachers unions over the last 18 months. The ending of advanced math over racism is just the chefs kiss….

Not to mention the typical fake histrionics over something that is clearly unconstitutional.

 

[stout1]

It’s not like they are doing this very thing in Virginia right now and the “vast majority of left center and left posters” didn’t call Virginia voters racist rubes a month ago…

Well, that isn't connected to a conversation about the importance of advanced math at all.

 

[DooBii]

Lol quite the circle jerk over some bs with a bs headline and a bs premise.

 

[stout1]

disgusting treatment of our poorest citizens by the Democrat supported teachers unions over the last 18 months.

I don't support the teachers union (in fact in my state the teachers union is essentially non-existent), but I have been working my ass off for the last 18 months to ensure that my local school provided in-person learning as much as possible. In fact, the school I work for was open every day of school since fall of 2020. And we are a 35% poverty school.

And no, I am not a teacher.

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

Here is the cool thing: I can actually disagree with both and have made that position known.

In fact, I think that a vast majority of left center and left posters on here think the push to eliminate advanced math is pretty dumb.

ChiDunce, how are you going to get your balls back after that one?

Lol quite the circle jerk over some bs with a bs headline and a bs premise.

Clearly you could have used a lot more literacy classes.

 

[noStemsnoSTICKS]

I love how republicans now want to control our thoughts.

 

[THE_DEVIL]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education

link?

 

[ChiDoc]

how are you going to get your balls back after that one?

Not surprised a Eunuch like yourself would be thinking about another man’s balls.

 

[THE_DEVIL]

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you joking?

It’s not like they are doing this very thing in Virginia right now and the “vast majority of left center and left posters” didn’t call Virginia voters racist rubes a month ago…

You specified HROT.

 

[BelemNole]

The Libs of HROT have spoken, LGBTQ sex books are paramount to any education, but advanced math?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

(hint, Math now of course is racist, just look at test scores in liberal states which prove this)

California seeks end of advanced math courses in name of social justice

Virginia to drop advanced math courses before 11th grade, citing 'equity'

I live in CA, my kids took Calculus in the 11th grade. The story is nonsense. They were in the accelerate program. Had they not been they could have taken Calculus in their senior years.

 

[Tom Paris]

Think about the direction you're going. You're ok with throwing teachers in jail because of books. You view the remote schooling as even worse, so you're going to want to put teachers in jail for remote teaching. That will be your go to, anything/anyone that you don't like, put them in jail.

A lot of people were impacted by the pandemic, it's an pandemic. If you care about those poor kids, become a teacher. You can provide the books you want and teach the poor. Just be careful though, some republicans might not like the way you teach and you too might end up in jail.

Not authoritarian.

 

[ChiDoc]

I live in CA, my kids took Calculus in the 11th grade. The story is nonsense. They were in the accelerate program. Had they not been they could have taken Calculus in their senior years.

There it is, I knew it was only a matter of time until The Libs of HROT denied it was even happening, especially after the hilarious MASSIVE LIE earlier in the thread they don’t support it!

California Tries to Close the Gap in Math, but Sets Off a Backlash (Published 2021)

Proposed guidelines in the state would de-emphasize calculus, reject the idea that some children are naturally gifted and build a connection to social justice. Critics say math shouldn’t be political.

www.nytimes.com

Nothing to see here folks, these disgusting Progressive policies are not being proposed by Dems around the country at the expense of our nations children...

NYC to phase out Gifted and Talented program

All 4,000 Kindergarten teachers will need extra training in preparation, and the city will hire additional teachers trained in accelerated learning.

nypost.com

 

[Hawk and Awe]

I think they decided their banning of books did not get the right amount of outrage so they kicked it up a notch. If we stay quiet and ignore it the next bill will involve public executions.

This is nuts. These people are absolute lunatics. Why do we even have school boards?

(By the way I have no problem with them pulling these books. I also think it’s ok if you disagree. The librarian and school board should decide. This level of response is just highly inappropriate.)

 

[Menace Sockeyes]

I think they decided their banning of books did not get the right amount of outrage so they kicked it up a notch. If we stay quiet and ignore it the next bill will involve public executions.

This is nuts. These people are absolute lunatics. Why do we even have school boards?

(By the way I have no problem with them pulling these books. I also think it’s ok if you disagree. The librarian and school board should decide. This level of response is just highly inappropriate.)

If you read these, they're in no way "pornographic" novels. The true intent of these laws is to intimidate other schools into not even providing the books in their libraries in the first place, and to shield the most privileged HIGH SCHOOLERS from the idea that America today isn't always a utopia for those who don't look like them.

 

[Tfxchawk]

I wonder if this guy has ever been around a teenager? Actually saying that now has me concerned for a different reason and someone should probably look into that.

My experience as a teenager way back when and now having had a number of kids pass through their teen years is that this guy just lit a beacon over the very thing he trying to ban. More teens have now gone and found this and read it either at school or online than ever would have if he had just stfu. Indifference can be a superpower when dealing with teenagers. When my kids asked about books or other pop culture things reacting with indifferent meh attitude often sends them in a different direction. Also if it is that type of book or movie simply talking about it with them will have them cringe into a parallel universe and it won't come up again.

I have news for you senator .... If a teenager has a smartphone they are absolutely exploring things much more obscene than a few books. Creating a safe space for your kids to discuss things will provide more value than some adult banning something and refusing to talk about it at all

As for the threats against school teachers that is just stupid

 

[BelemNole]

There it is, I knew it was only a matter of time until The Libs of HROT denied it was even happening, especially after the hilarious MASSIVE LIE earlier in the thread they don’t support it!

California Tries to Close the Gap in Math, but Sets Off a Backlash (Published 2021)

Proposed guidelines in the state would de-emphasize calculus, reject the idea that some children are naturally gifted and build a connection to social justice. Critics say math shouldn’t be political.

www.nytimes.com

Nothing to see here folks, these disgusting Progressive policies are not being proposed by Dems around the country at the expense of our nations children...

NYC to phase out Gifted and Talented program

All 4,000 Kindergarten teachers will need extra training in preparation, and the city will hire additional teachers trained in accelerated learning.

nypost.com

I didn't deny that someone suggested removing the program, I denied that it would prevent students from taking calculus in HS. I backed that up with actual real-world evidence.

But you keep clutching your pearls.

 

[SB_SB]

No genius, im not for it at all, Like most moderates I just find the hypocrisy of the Libs of HROT on education to be absolutely off the charts considering the disgusting treatment of our poorest citizens by the Democrat supported teachers unions over the last 18 months. The ending of advanced math over racism is just the chefs kiss….

Not to mention the typical fake histrionics over something that is clearly unconstitutional.

Oh sure, you're a moderate. You're in a thread defending the actions of wanting to put teachers in jail. If you truly do agree these people are nuts, then next time either just say it's wrong or don't post at all.

 

[ChiDoc]

I didn't deny that someone suggested removing the program, I denied that it would prevent students from taking calculus in HS. I backed that up with actual real-world evidence.

But you keep clutching your pearls.

Yes, the New York Times is probably lying, another brilliant take! I’m sure the policy being so off the charts bat shit crazy that even The New York Times and every other liberal paper criticizing it is just a coincidence!

So now concern about Democrats all over the country saying “MATH IS RACIST” is “pearl clutching“? I can’t keep up between the Libs of HROT claims; they don’t support it, it’s not happening, or that it’s not serious? It’s almost as if this thread is one massive pile of BS and none of them could care less about children at all, only scoring really lame points in an echo chamber of fellow sheep….

California Tries to Close the Gap in Math, but Sets Off a Backlash (Published 2021)

Proposed guidelines in the state would de-emphasize calculus, reject the idea that some children are naturally gifted and build a connection to social justice. Critics say math shouldn’t be political.

www.nytimes.com

California's controversial math overhaul focuses on equity

Critics say California's proposed math framework waters down content in pursuit of equity. Defenders say social awareness will accelerate learning.

www.latimes.com

 

[ChiDoc]

Oh sure, you're a moderate. You're in a thread defending the actions of wanting to put teachers in jail. If you truly do agree these people are nuts, then next time either just say it's wrong or don't post at all.

I already replied to you saying I don’t support it. Are you one of the millions of poor Americans who now struggle to read because of what teachers unions did to schools during COVID? If so that’s really sad…

FYI, when you quote my post saying “I’m not for it at all” that means I don’t support it.

You are not alone! Be brave little illiterate Lib of HROT, the Dems and their Teachers Unions have destroyed the futures of millions of poor Americans, but you can beat the odds:

Students are struggling to read behind masks and screens during COVID-19, but ‘expectations are no different’

Early data shows elementary students are falling behind in reading. We visited schools to find out how teachers are meeting the challenge.

www.usatoday.com

 

[SB_SB]

I already replied to you saying I don’t support it. Are you one of the millions of poor Americans who now struggle to read because of what teachers unions did to schools during COVID? If so that’s really sad…

FYI, when you quote my post saying “I’m not for it at all” that means I don’t support it.

You are not alone! Be brave little illiterate Lib of HROT:

Students are struggling to read behind masks and screens during COVID-19, but ‘expectations are no different’

Early data shows elementary students are falling behind in reading. We visited schools to find out how teachers are meeting the challenge.

www.usatoday.com

I can read just fine. So what's your deal? Why do you keep posting links to stuff that doesn't relate to what the topic is? Start another thread if you want to discuss those topics. Is it that you just can't handle the fact that you agree with liberals on this topic? You feel the need to bring up another topic so YOU can try to prove to YOU that you don't agree with liberals? Well to bad, you claim you don't support sending teachers to jail, so I guess you're a liberal. Welcome to the club, nice to have you. I'm sure you'll fine many things you'll agree with.