Iowa’s “Bathroom Bill” is making a difference in area schools

BETTENDORF, Iowa (KWQC) – After Gov. Kim Reynolds passed Iowa’s “Bathroom Plan,” many schools began working to provide accommodations for their students.

Iowa schools in the Quad Cities are being reorganized after Governor Reynolds signed the “Bathroom Bill,” also known as the Iowa Bill. Senate File 482.

regions like Bettendorf and Clinton say they are currently working with their communities to create viable alternatives if families need bathroom spaces for their children.

In a written statement, the Bettendorf administration said they “want to assure our transgender and non-binary students and their families that they have the full support of the Bettendorf Community School District and its staff. We are committed to providing support for all students, staff and families.” , to create a safe, welcoming and affirming environment regardless of gender identity.”

According to the Clinton administration, they say affected students will be notified and seats will be assigned on a case-by-case basis.

The Pleasant Valley district already has built-in spaces compliant with current law, including clearly identified single-use bathrooms throughout the school and single-use locker rooms accessible only by student key cards. Once logged in, the student can lock the door to prevent another person from entering that area.

“We talk to the student first, then we talk to the families that bring them in, and we talk about what that’s going to be like, how it’s going to be respectful of them and how it’s going to be respectful of the students. Then we teach them how we have single-person restrooms and locker rooms,” said Pleasant Valley Superintendent Brian Strus.

Organizations that supported the law before its passage talked about the main issue that the legislators found when discussing the “Bathroom Bill”.

“The conversations I’ve heard have shown a strong desire to prioritize privacy and security over politics or ideology and to find ways to be compassionate to all children,” the vice president said. Family leader fund Chuck Hurley.

Although the law says it must be implemented immediately, the schools say they are working with their districts to discuss next steps and options.

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