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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 the policies would provide educational roadblocks to students of color."
Ashley Burns, who said she is a private‑school graduate and a Cedar Rapids resident, addressed a proposed statewide private‑school voucher expansion. Using statewide figures she said she gathered, Burns criticized a no‑income‑cap voucher plan and said it could redirect substantial funds away from public schools. She estimated national and state‑level costs based on publicly available enrollment figures and urged constituents to contact state legislators. "We're looking at a $450,000,000 annual cost, starting next year," Burns said of her calculation for the program in Iowa.
In response to broader federal policy changes raised by commenters, President Gerlach told the public there is uncertainty about how recent federal action will affect the district and that the board would watch for any changes. "Just know that we are watching and listening, and we will keep you abreast of any changes that have an impact here on the district," Gerlach said. The meeting transcript also recorded a board committee discussion earlier in the meeting that noted recent developments at the state and federal level related to diversity, equity and inclusion and Department of Education communications.
Why it matters: Speakers described immediate emotional and educational impacts for students who participate in GSA, MVP and BSU clubs and expressed concern about funding and legal changes outside the district's control. Board members noted uncertainty over how federal and state directives will affect local practice and said they will continue monitoring developments.
Ending: Speakers asked the board and community to contact Iowa lawmakers; board leaders said they would continue to monitor state and federal policy changes and keep the district community informed.
