Last Updated: February 2, 2026
This article will be updated with the latest news on the bill.
“This bill would undo a century of fighting the education mafia.”
—Craig Bergman, Iowa advocate
Iowa families, your state legislature is proposing a dangerous amendment to your state constitution that would have long-lasting implications for all families in the state of Iowa.
Take a moment to learn how this amendment would impact you and the three simple steps you can take to oppose it before it is adopted into your state constitution.
What Would IA SJR2005 Do?
Bill summary: SJR 2005 proposes a constitutional amendment that would create a new enforceable “right to a public education” in Iowa’s state constitution. The amendment mandates that Iowa provide “all youths of this state” with a state-defined “comprehensive education” delivered exclusively through “a system of public schools and competent educators,” with curriculum content determined by the General Assembly or delegated state agencies.
IA SJR 2005 would
- expand the boundaries of state jurisdiction into all education.
- implement oversight and regulation in private education.
- give the state the obligation to define the parameters of education.
- codify the rights of children at the expense of parental rights.
How Does IA SJR 2005 Violate Education Independence?
This bill violates all four pillars of education independence.
| Independent Parents | Violated: Transfers directing authority from parents to the state by mandating state-provided education with legislatively determined curriculum. |
| Independent Funding | Violated: Elevates publicly financed education as the constitutionally protected model, creating pressure against privately funded alternatives. |
| Independent Pursuit | Violated: Defines education as something the state “shall provide” through public schools, subjecting all educational activity to state constitutional authority. |
| Independent Ideas | Violated: Centralizes educational content control by mandating curriculum subjects and vesting authority in the legislature and state agencies. |
Oppose Today: IA SJR 2005 Is Not Just Another Bill
IA SJR 2005 would have consequences for all children and families in Iowa today and in the future. Constitutional amendments are not easily overturned once they are adopted. Now, the time to act.
Step One: Learn about IA SJR 2005
Watch this video in which Lauren Gideon, Director of Government Relations for Classical Conversations and an Iowa homeschool mom, breaks down the amendment piece by piece and outlines the consequences for your state.
Step Two: Contact Your Legislators About IA SJR 2005
It is important that your district representatives know how unpopular this amendment is with the people of Iowa. Contact them immediately and urge them to vote NO on the amendment.
Find your legislators. Visit your state government website to find the names and contact information for your local representatives. All you have to do is plug in your address.
Use our legislative communication templates. Have you never contacted a legislator before? You are not alone! Rely on our template to help you send them an email, give them a phone call, or schedule a meeting.
Step Three: Tell Your Neighbors About IA SJR 2005
The history of state politics proves that there is strength in numbers, and grassroots movements are the most effective means of persuasion. Not because we are cruel or rude, but because we are convicted and kind.
Inform your neighbors of this amendment, ask them to stand with you against it, and encourage one another to protect the independence of Iowa families and education.
Join the Network for Bill Updates
This amendment has only just been introduced in committee. To stay updated on the latest information, consider joining the Education Independence Network. We will update Iowa families on developments that would affect their independence and give you the tools to protect the freedoms you now enjoy.
