Hunter
02/27/23
A student organization is planning a statewide walkout today to protest what they feel is anti LGBTQ and BIPOC legislation.
According to a release from the group, Iowa WTF is a youth-led organization of high school aged students that are fed up with the discriminatory legislation being proposed that will hurt LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students. They feel legislators aren’t listening to the people most impacted by the bills; the students.
Working in partnership with the Iowa Queer Alliance, the group is encouraging students across the state in walking out today. Iowa City students have already indicated they will participate in the walkout, along with schools in Johnston, Urbandale, Ankeny, Ames, Marion, Bettendorf, Fort Dodge and others. Iowa State University is also joining in.
A spokesperson for Ankeny Schools says the district plans to provide students a safe place on school grounds where they will be supervised to ensure their safety, then return to class after the walkout.
The Iowa City School District says they support the students right to protest, but should ask their parents to excuse their absences due to the protest ahead of time.
Times of the walkout vary at the schools.