Gov. Kim Reynolds today signed Senate File 496 https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=90&ba=SF496 into law. The measure orders the removal of books in schools that contain sex acts and restricts teaching about LGBTQ topics, according to the Des Moines Register. http://bitly.ws/FFcn
The law bans school books with descriptions or depictions of sex acts; prohibits instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation before seventh grade and requires schools to notify parents if a student requests to use new pronouns. The move comes a few days after Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a measure that restricts transgender surgery for minors and places restrictions on gender-affirming care in that state.
University of Iowa director of athletics Gary Barta will retire from the position he has held since 2006 on Aug. 1, the university announced this morning.
The Des Moines Register reports http://bitly.ws/FFcD that the 17-year leader of the athletics department at the University of Iowa was present for several unsuccessful lawsuits. The most costly was a $6.5 million settlement in a discrimination suit filed by former field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum and associate athletics director Jane Meyer.
Iowa also paid $4.2 million to settle a case filed by former football players alleging racial discrimination and $200,000 to former assistant track coach Michael Scott.
Tomorrow afternoon the 11th annual Siouxland Asian Festival is takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at Yummi Blox on West Seventh St. Peggy La is the owner of the permanent place for food trucks on West Seventh.
La says the festival is more than just food; it's a way to learn more about her own and other’s Asian roots.
I want to know about my history, you know why didn’t I learn more about this when I was younger . . .it’s because are too busy wanting to be Americanized. It’s a way to educate our kids again about our culture and not be so Americanized. You gotta know your history, your background.
La says there will be plenty of games, entertainment and nine food vendors at the festival.
