Protect Iowa’s homeschooled children – say no to House File 88

Right now, Iowa lawmakers are discussing House File 88, a bill that would erode already-fragile laws that protect homeschooled children’s health, safety, and access to a basic education.

We need your help to stop HF 88.

What would HF 88 do?

If passed into law, House File 88 would:

Remove basic medical standards that support children’s health

Exempt homeschooling families from proving their children have received required vaccinations
Exempt elementary-age homeschooled children from taking the state-required blood lead test that helps prevent lead poisoning

Remove basic education requirements for teachers in homeschools, public schools, and private schools

Remove a requirement that home educators teach elementary-age students social studies and science
Prohibit all teachers, in homeschool settings and in public and private schools, from using gender-neutral language while teaching world languages

Put children at risk for inadequate educations from teachers held to no standards

Allow homeschooling families to educate children outside the household, and charge tuition
Allow anyone to establish a private school under Iowa’s highly deregulated homeschool statue, which doesn’t require educators to have training in the subjects they teach, or even a high school diploma or its equivalent

How can I help?

Iowa residents: Contact your lawmakers and tell them to say no to HF 88.

If you were homeschooled in Iowa, please consider sharing your story when you contact state lawmakers about this bill. Remember: as homeschooled people, the most powerful tool we have is our stories.

Find your state senator’s contact information on the senate roster website.

Suggested script:

I am an Iowa resident and I am calling to urge the Senator to vote NO on HF 88. This bill erodes the few protections homeschooled children have for their health, safety, and education. It undermines our public education system as well. Every child in Iowa deserves access to basic health resources and an education. But HF 88 would put those things out of reach for countless children. Please urge the senator to vote no on HF 88.

Everyone: Spread the word about HF 88.

Talk about Iowa HF 88 on social media, especially if you have followers in Iowa.
Follow CRHE on Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook for updates.
Talk with your friends and family about how under-regulated homeschooling is – most people in good faith assume homeschooling has regulations and are surprised to learn that’s not the case.

Protect Iowa’s homeschooled children – say no to House File 88

What would HF 88 do?

How can I help?

Iowa residents: Contact your lawmakers and tell them to say no to HF 88.

Everyone: Spread the word about HF 88.

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