ORCID
Kathryn Watson: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2062-2849
Abstract
Iowa’s 2023 Senate File 496 prohibits schools from administering mental health surveys without parent permission, requires schools to secure parent permission for student nicknames, bans from schools discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation before grade 7, and bans from schools books that describe sexual activity. This exploratory interview study investigated how 30 educators and school board members across the state perceived Senate File 496’s influence on school micro systems, as outlined by Marraccini et al.’s framework for school-related influences on suicide-related thoughts and behaviors for LGBTQ+ students. The study also explored participants’ impressions of how the legislation influenced LGBTQ+ students. This study offers a unique view of experiences across a predominantly rural state. The findings show how policies like Senate File 496 can make schools less safe and less inclusive for all students.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Watson, K.
(2026).
Identity and Autonomy: Schools and LGBTQ+ Students Amid “Don’t Say Gay” Legislation.
The Rural Educator, 47(2), 92-104.
https://doi.org/10.55533/2643-9662.1555
