DAVENPORT, Iowa — On Wednesday, March 22, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Republican-dominated Iowa legislature passed Senate File 482, more commonly known as the "bathroom bill," into law.
The legislation, alongside a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, bans transgender and nonbinary students from using bathrooms and changing rooms that align with their identity — instead requiring them to use the bathroom of the sex they were assigned at birth.
It also requires schools to respond to any violation, even if it's only perceived to be one, within three business days or risk parents filing complaints to the Iowa Attorney General.
The bill creates new administrative challenges in school districts, especially in larger communities with more diverse student bodies and LGBTQ+ prominence, as they attempt to balance their support for diversity and inclusion with the new law they must follow effective immediately.
Here's how the Iowa Quad Cities school districts are responding:
Bettendorf
A statement posted to the Bettendorf CSD website reads:
"On March 22, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed Senate File 482, more commonly known as the “Bathroom Bill,” into law. This new law goes into effect immediately and includes a number of requirements and prohibitions pertaining to the use of bathrooms in schools by any person on the premises, including students, employees, parents, and visitors.
We want to assure our transgender and non-binary students and their families that they have the support of the Bettendorf Community School District and its staff. We are committed to creating an unwavering safe, welcoming and affirming environments for all students, staff and families regardless of gender identity. We value the diversity of our student body and will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all students feel included and supported.
The district is reviewing the impact of the law on current practices and updating protocols. We are working closely with families impacted. If anyone has concerns about how the new Iowa law will affect them or their students, please contact your school office."
Muscatine
News 8 has reached out to the school district for comment but has not yet received a response.
Davenport
News 8 has reached out to the school district for comment but has not yet received a response.
North Scott
When News 8 reached out to North Scott CSD asking if any information or a statement on the policy was available, a representative simply replied, "No."
Clinton
After summarizing the relevant part of the bill, Clinton CSD's statement announced that it would be notifying impacted students and making individual accommodations within the bounds of state law.
"Clinton Community Schools will comply with this new state law. Affected students will be notified and individual accommodations will be established based on state law."
Pleasant Valley
News 8 has reached out to the school district for comment but has not yet received a response.
Watch more news, weather and sports on News 8's YouTube channel