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Students and community members urge board to oppose state measures targeting DEI groups and private‑school vouchers
Summary
Three public speakers told the Cedar Rapids school board they fear proposed state actions — including a bill to defund schools that maintain certain diversity‑related clubs and a state voucher expansion — would harm students. Speakers described personal stakes for trans students, student clubs, and district inclusivity programs.
Public commenters urged the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education to oppose recent and proposed state measures they said would reduce protections or funding for students and district programs.
Cal, who identified himself as vice president of the Kennedy High School Gay–Straight Alliance, said a recently proposed Iowa bill would defund schools that "refuse to disband diversity based clubs and activities, such as the Gay Straight Alliance, Mentors and Violence Protection, and the Black Student Union." He told the board students are frightened and that "eradicating these programs and…
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