More than half of Iowans oppose a change in state law that bans the teaching of certain concepts, including that the U.S. or state of Iowa is fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist, a new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll found.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the law June 8, saying she opposes “critical race theory” and wants to prevent “discriminatory indoctrination” in Iowa classrooms. Opponents say the law will chill needed discussion about racial inequities at schools, colleges and government agencies.
Asked if they favor or oppose the change, 56% of Iowans say they oppose it, according to the poll. Just over one-third, 34%, say they are in favor, and another 10% say they are not sure.
Republicans, however, mostly favor it, with 57% showing support. Most Democrats (76%) and independents (58%) oppose it. A plurality of evangelicals also favor the law, with 48% in favor versus 45% opposed.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, bans the teaching of several concepts during mandatory diversity and inclusion trainings offered to state or local government employees. It also bans the teaching of the concepts as part of classroom curriculum.
►More: What is critical race theory, and how does it relate to Iowa's new law?
Catherine Stevenson, a 74-year-old retired nurse practitioner from Johnston who opposes the new law, compared the new limitations to someone “being told they can’t teach science (and) can’t talk about Darwin.”
“Educators don’t need to be told what to teach by those who are not other educators,” said Stevenson, a Democrat.
Selzer & Co. conducted the poll of 807 Iowa adults June 13 through 16. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the law June 8, saying she opposes “critical race theory” and wants to prevent “discriminatory indoctrination” in Iowa classrooms. Opponents say the law will chill needed discussion about racial inequities at schools, colleges and government agencies.
Asked if they favor or oppose the change, 56% of Iowans say they oppose it, according to the poll. Just over one-third, 34%, say they are in favor, and another 10% say they are not sure.
Republicans, however, mostly favor it, with 57% showing support. Most Democrats (76%) and independents (58%) oppose it. A plurality of evangelicals also favor the law, with 48% in favor versus 45% opposed.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, bans the teaching of several concepts during mandatory diversity and inclusion trainings offered to state or local government employees. It also bans the teaching of the concepts as part of classroom curriculum.
►More: What is critical race theory, and how does it relate to Iowa's new law?
Catherine Stevenson, a 74-year-old retired nurse practitioner from Johnston who opposes the new law, compared the new limitations to someone “being told they can’t teach science (and) can’t talk about Darwin.”
“Educators don’t need to be told what to teach by those who are not other educators,” said Stevenson, a Democrat.
Selzer & Co. conducted the poll of 807 Iowa adults June 13 through 16. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Iowa Poll: More than half of Iowans oppose new law limiting certain concepts from racism, sexism training
More than half of Iowans oppose a change in state law that bans the teaching of certain concepts, including that the U.S. or state of Iowa is fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist.
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