Controversy fills week in House

This week was packed with debate on a handful of key bills that were controversial. In past weeks we’ve debated as many as 25 or more bills in a few hours, whereas in some cases these bills have taken all evening to debate bills.

Early in the week we tackled two bills dealing with freedom of speech and stereotyping based on race and gender. House File 744 dealt with protecting free speech in our schools and on college campuses, a top priority for House Republicans this session because of broad concerns we heard from our constituents. Members had instances brought to their attention where the Regents had violated a student’s right to practice free speech in the University of Iowa School of Dentistry, and another instance of a professor enforcing her political views in her classes at Iowa State. Such political bias has been known for some time, but it has become increasingly more blatant and clear that these are not isolated instances, but a systemic problem. This bill took action by providing free speech protections for students and staff in schools and college campuses. It prohibits faculty and staff from intentionally violating the free speech of students and allows disciplinary measures if violations occur. Additionally, it requires free speech training at all Regent universities for students and faculty. The House Republicans will continue to monitor educational institutions to ensure the message is received and the training takes hold.

In the same vein as House File 744, House File 802 is a bill to prohibit gender and race-based stereotyping in training and curriculum. It does not ban or limit diversity trainings, or limit the teaching of African American history. The divisive concepts outlined in this bill claim to be in the name of fighting racism, but they are themselves racist. It teaches to label, stereotype and demonize people based on their race, gender or sexual identity. For example, teaching our students that they have “white privilege” simply by virtue of their skin color, or that the USA is inherently a racist nation, will violate this legislation. These ideological stereotypes divide us further, teach people to hate our nation, stifle the speech of anyone who disagrees, and create hostile work and learning environments. We simply cannot fight racism with more racism. The motivation for this bill came from the Ames School District’s use of highly inappropriate “Black Lives Matter” curriculum and materials.

We passed two significant firearms related bills. House File 621 provides Clarifying Immunity for Firearms Manufacturers. This bill reestablishes the responsibility for heinous acts relies solely on the perpetrator of the act, not on the manufacturer of the firearm or ammunition. House File 756 was passed. This is the Second Amendment Omnibus Bill that includes numerous improvements to our firearms laws, particularly by restoring our right to conceal carry a weapon in public without first obtaining a permit.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

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Dean Fisher is the state representative for District 72. Contact him at dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov