Sample letter to Iowa state reps regarding H.F. 2291

To: Representative Jason Schultz <jason.schultz@legis.state.ia.us>, Representative Matt W. Windschitl <matt.windschitl@legis.state.ia.us>
Subject: H.F. 2291 and school anti-bullying protections

Dear Reps. Schultz and Windschitl:

I am writing to voice my opposition to H.F. 2291, your bill amending the Safe Schools Law to remove mandatory protections against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These provisions play a crucial role in helping to reduce harassment of students at school, and removing them would only serve to weaken the protections they provide.

Bullying based on students' actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity is no more acceptable than harassment based on sex, disability or socioeconomic status, none of which you have sought to omit from the law. Harassment due to sexual orientation or gender identity is just as serious an issue as race- or religion-based harassment, and the law should reflect that.

Every student deserves an education free from harassment, threats and violence, and the Safe Schools Law in its present form has helped to ensure this. H.F. 2291 would weaken this law, sending a message that bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity does not need to be prohibited as other kinds of bullying must be. Consequently, students would be put at greater risk of harm and afforded fewer protections against harassment at school. If passed, H.F. 2291 will jeopardize the integrity and effectiveness of the educational system, and that's not what students need.

Sincerely,
[your name]