Gov. Kim Reynolds signing of House File 622/Senate File 482 into law has had impacts on Mount Vernon and Lisbon Schools.
The law designates that students must use facilities that align with their biological sex at birth, not with their gender identity.
Both Lisbon and Mount Vernon superintendents worked with staff and other administrators to enforce the new law from the state.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Batenhorst said the district will work with students who identify as transgender to discuss options available to them, including possible use of private restroom spaces in the Mount Vernon School systems.
“Typically, when such laws are passed school districts receive legal guidance from their legal counsel,” said Mount Vernon superintendent Greg Batenhorst. “Recommendations for new policies and procedures related to the law are then developed for school districts to use. It may take several months before all recommended policies and procedures are fully in place, but in the short term the District will follow initial legal guidance in applying the new law.”
At Lisbon, superintendent Autumn Pino said that everyone at the school buildings must use the restroom facility that aligns with their assigned sex at birth, as it is the district’s obligation to act in accordance with state law.
“The goal of the Lisbon Community School District will continue to be a place where all students have the opportunity to be successful, supported, valued and cared for in an environment that is free of discrimination,” Pino said. “We are committed to being a school system that keeps the education, safety, and overall well-being of our students as our primary focus.”
Batenhorst added that many believe that this new law may be in contradiction of Iowa Civil Rights Law, as well as federal guidelines found in Title IX, and the District will monitor any possible action in the courts carefully.
“The Mount Vernon Community School District will comply with the new law, while doing all it can to support all its students,” Batenhorst said. “The Mount Vernon Community School District will remain committed to supporting transgender students, and all members of the LGBTQ community, as they deal with this incursion on their civil rights.”
Batenhorst noted that for transgender students and members of the LGBQTIA+ community, students ask that the focus be on their identity, on who they are, and that people from the other side of the issue understand how hard it is to lose rights.
“Research and data clearly show that when transgender people are supported by their families, friends, schools, and communities, their emotional well-being is no different than their cisgender peers,” Batenhorst wrote. “However, when not supported and accepted for who they are, these same people have more negative social-emotional outcomes.
“No matter where you personally stand on this law, I ask that you are sensitive to the fact that the LGBTQ community is currently experiencing a challenging time with the passage of this and other laws that are seen as an attack on their civil rights.”
Batenhorst also noted some students and others in the district may be in support of this law, and he wants all students to be respected in school buildings.
“If your children experience any negative backlash for their personal beliefs, please know that this is not acceptable and will be addressed,” Batenhorst said. “A few of our values statements state that it is our goal to ensure that everyone in the community is treated with respect and caring, and that we hope to provide a learning and working environment that is emotionally and physically safe for all who learn and work here. I have always been proud of how our students accept and respect one another and that is also prevalent in the broader Mount Vernon community.
“No matter where all of us personally stand on a variety of social issues that are in the spotlight right now, let’s remain committed to accepting, respecting, and honoring one another.”