A Newton High School student was asked to wash “love trumps hate” off his arm last November, prompting the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa to defend the student and demand action from the Newton Community School District.
Through a press release this week, the ACLU said NHS apologized to the student and pledged to train teachers on First Amendment rights of students and civil rights protections for transgender students under Iowa law.
According to the ACLU, a period of “cooperative negotiation” successfully resolved the matter.
The transgender student who wrote the message on his arm was told by his physical education teacher to stop writing on himself. The teacher also called the student “girl” even after another student spoke up to remind the teacher that the student identifies as a boy, the ACLU said.
“The student was then taken to the assistant principal’s office, where he was told students shouldn’t discuss politics at school. He was given the option of being sent home for the day or washing off his arm, so he washed it off,” reads a statement by the ACLU.
The ACLU gave a list of demands to the NCSD in February and wrote that the student’s message “was one of love and acceptance and protected by the First Amendment.”
The school district responded in February by conducting an investigation. Superintendent Bob Callaghan said NCSD has resolved the allegations and will review school policies and procedures related to student freedom of expression and student civil rights related to gender identity.
The school district also confirmed it will provide training to teachers about these issues and provide information to students about these issues.
“We would agree that the negotiation and resolution process was very smooth and would assert that the district remains committed to providing all students with a safe and positive learning environment,” Callaghan said.
NHS Principal Bill Peters declined to comment specifically on the incident.
“As always, we will take every opportunity to create a positive, caring learning environment for all kids at NHS,” Peters said.
According to the ACLU press release, the teacher and assistant principal involved have expressed their regrets to the student about the incident and the harm that it caused. In addition to teachers receiving training on civil rights and free speech, the press release said the school will provide printed copies of the ACLU’s student rights booklet to students as they begin their school year.
“We are so honored to have been able to represent this bright young man in standing up for his rights to free speech and non-discrimination in school, as well as the rights of others,” said ACLU of Iowa Legal Director Rita Bettis.
Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com