Brad Sherman (IA) on Education

Restore the constitutional, moral, and religious foundations

Ban books & classroom discussion on LGBTQ topics

Summary by ACLU-IA, 1/13/26A book ban for grades K-12 for all books containing descriptions or depictions of a sex act, with the explicit exception of the Bible and other religious texts. A "don't say LGBTQ" provision that forbids programs relating to "gender identity or sexual orientation" in grades K-6. A "forced outing" provision that requires teachers to report a student if the student asks to use a name or pronoun relating to gender identity.

Summary by Lambda Legal, 10/21/24That bill has resulted in the removal of thousands of books from Iowa public schools, including many classics by Nobel Prize winners Toni Morrison and William Faulkner.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-16-0 on Apr/19/23; passed House 57-38-5 on Apr/20/23; Rep. Sherman voted YES; signed by Gov. Reynolds on May/26/23

Support tax-funded accounts for private school tuition

Summary by Iowa Public Radio, January 24, 2023The bill would create tax-funded Education Savings Accounts that would become available to K-12 students statewide with no income limits. The money deposited in the accounts could be spent on educational expenses such as tuition and fees at private and religious schools.

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 55-45-0 on Jan/23/23; State Rep. Brad Sherman voted YES; passed Senate 31-18-1 on Jan/23/23; signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on Jan/24/23.