Des Moines, Iowa – A new poll conducted by the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll reveals that half of Iowans believe the state’s controversial book ban law, which has led to the removal of over a thousand books from public schools, goes too far. Meanwhile, a third of respondents view the law and subsequent removals as “about right.” Only 13% of those surveyed felt that the law did not go far enough, while 3% were undecided.
The book ban law, known as Senate File 496, was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds in May 2023. This comprehensive education law prohibits the inclusion of books depicting sex acts in public schools, with the exception of religious texts. Since its implementation on July 1, a total of about 1,820 books, including 615 unique titles, have been removed from schools.
The Iowa Poll, which surveyed 804 adults in Iowa, found that parents with children under the age of 18 were more supportive of the book ban and removals, with 40% believing it was “about right.” However, 39% of these parents still felt that the law went too far. Independent voter Tracy Alberts, who supports the ban, stated that parents should have control over what is in their children’s school libraries.
On the other hand, respondents like Michelle Leaverton expressed their opposition to the book ban, describing it as “absurd.” Leaverton, a Democrat and mother of LGBTQ children, believes that depriving children of the opportunity to choose what they read and exposing them to diverse perspectives is harmful.
Additionally, the poll revealed a divide in opinions along political party lines and gender. A majority of Democrats (75%) and more than half of independents (55%) felt that the book ban and removals were excessive. In contrast, 44% of Republicans viewed the situation as “about right,” while 23% believed it did not go far enough. Women (60%) were more likely than men (41%) to think that the law and book removals were excessive.
The book ban in Iowa has sparked controversy, with conservative activists lobbying for stricter legislation, while critics argue that the removal of books limits students’ exposure to different perspectives. Currently, two lawsuits have been filed against the state, alleging that the ban is unconstitutional and amounts to censorship and discrimination against LGBTQ viewpoints.
Judge Stephen Locher temporarily blocked the enforcement of the book ban and disciplinary penalties for educators while the lawsuits are pending. However, districts have had varying responses, with some restoring books and others keeping them off the shelves. Supporters of the ban argue that it protects children from inappropriate content, while opponents argue that it stifles intellectual freedom.
The issue of book bans in Iowa schools gained traction in recent years, with residents challenging books they deemed inappropriate for students. The Des Moines Register documented 99 challenges to 60 books from August 2020 to May 2023. The majority of challenges (76%) resulted in retaining the books without restrictions. Sexual content was the primary reason for challenges, followed by profanity and violence.
As the legal battle over Iowa’s book ban continues, the debate surrounding the limits of education and intellectual freedom remains unresolved. The book ban law has brought to light the tension between protecting students from certain content and promoting a diverse and inclusive educational environment.