GOP lawmaker seeks federal probe after Iowa high school celebrates Bisexual Plus Awareness Week
Rep. Ashley Hinson asks Department of Education to investigate Linn-Mar High School; district says it is reviewing policies and procedures
A Republican congresswoman is asking federal education authorities to open an investigation into Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, after a Tuesday morning, student-run broadcast celebrated “Bisexual Plus Awareness Week.” The episode, aired to the school community during a news program, highlighted the week’s purpose and included explanations from students about non-monosexual identities.
Rep. Ashley Hinson, the Iowa Republican who serves in Congress, sent a Friday letter to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon saying the broadcast was “inappropriate” and occurred without parental knowledge or consent. She urged the department to review the school’s actions and determine whether any policies were violated. The letter was shared on X by the Daily Signal.
"These segments were broadcast to students without parental knowledge or consent," Hinson wrote. "As a parent and a legislator, I am appalled that a school would assume the role of teaching and promoting sexual identity to our children. Our schools should be educating students, not indoctrinating them." The morning announcement described the week as a chance to stop biphobia and included guidance such as wearing bisexual pride pins and learning about bisexuality and its history. A student in the segment defined a non-monosexual identity as involving attractions not limited to heterosexual or homosexual orientations and noted that identities can include bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer and omnisexual.
These remarks come amid political debate about parental involvement in schooling and what content is appropriate to share with students. The Trump administration previously signaled support for policies aimed at limiting certain classroom content; in January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to withhold federal funds from institutions that teach gender ideology and related topics. The administration argued such measures would empower parents and restore their voice in education, while opponents said the orders could chill legitimate classroom conversations.
The Linn-Mar Community School District said in a statement that a review is underway to determine whether existing policies or procedures were violated during the production or airing of the segment. The district emphasized its commitment to a safe, inclusive environment and said it seeks to foster respectful dialogue in a way that aligns with district guidelines and policies. "At this time, the district is conducting a review to determine whether existing policies or procedures were violated during the production or airing of the segment," the district told Fox News Digital.
In a broader sense, Hinson’s letter highlights ongoing tensions between parental rights and school programming, particularly around topics related to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Iowa congresswoman pressed for accountability and transparency for Linn-Mar parents and asked for assurances that similar broadcasts would not recur without parental notification.
As the district continues its review, officials have not disclosed potential sanctions or corrective actions. The school community awaits findings that could influence how student-produced content is vetted and aired in the district’s schools.
The district has stressed it remains dedicated to fostering inclusive environments while upholding district guidelines. The investigation’s outcome could influence how the school system handles student-led content and the extent of parental involvement in curricular and extracurricular messages moving forward.