Iowa Education Board Implements Book Ban Rules

The Iowa State Board of Education is finalizing rules to implement a law that bans books depicting sexual acts and restricts discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation before seventh grade. Schools must post an updated list of available books twice a year and establish controls to ensure students only access age-appropriate materials. Violations of the law may lead to written warnings and disciplinary actions for repeat offenses. Legal challenges have resulted in confusion about what materials are permissible, with many districts preemptively removing hundreds of books to avoid non-compliance. Critics argue the law infringes on First Amendment rights and disrupts the traditional role of school libraries as accessible information resources. A public hearing on the proposed rules is scheduled for December 11, allowing public input on the matter.