Parents’ Rights Emerge as Issue in GOP Presidential Primary

MARION, Iowa—Republican presidential hopefuls seeking to exploit disputes over the rights of parents are finding fertile ground in this suburban area where a debate over gender identity has triggered division in the state that starts the 2024 nomination process.

The Linn-Mar Community School District became a rallying point for conservatives last year after the school board approved rules giving students in grade seven or higher the ability to request a “gender support plan” that called for teachers and peers to address them by a new name and with new pronouns without parental notification. It also allowed students to use locker rooms and bathrooms corresponding to their preferred gender identity.