Iowa House Bill 80, introduced on January 16, 2025, aims to prohibit school districts and charter schools from disciplining employees, contractors, or students for using legal names or names listed in school registration forms. Additionally, the bill seeks to prevent disciplinary actions for not using personal pronouns in official communications.

The legislation, proposed by Representative Hayes, addresses ongoing debates surrounding identity and expression within educational settings. Proponents argue that the bill protects individuals' rights to use their legal names and prevents potential discrimination based on personal pronoun preferences. Critics, however, express concerns that the bill may undermine efforts to create inclusive environments for students who identify with different pronouns, potentially leading to feelings of alienation among those individuals.

The bill includes provisions for civil penalties against those who violate its terms, raising questions about enforcement and the implications for school policies. As discussions continue, the bill's potential impact on school culture and the broader implications for student rights and identity expression remain focal points of debate.

The introduction of House Bill 80 reflects a growing trend in legislative efforts to address issues of identity in educational contexts. As the bill moves through the legislative process, its outcomes could significantly influence how schools navigate the complexities of personal identity and expression, shaping the future of educational policies in Iowa.