Thanks for this column, Rekha, about an outrageous new law. I don't remember reading or hearing anything about this measure as it was in the legislative works. Who produced and advocated for it? And does it somehow apply only to the City of Des Moines? It strikes me as perhaps the dumbest idea to come out of this legislative session, and there have several. And it's shocking to me that our first female governor would sign it into law.
Our governor haas spent her entire term doing the wrong things and will proudly leave us not soon enough. Her dedication all things Republican all but guarantees that she will depart from her office leaving as much wreckage as she can. But where are the Democrats? We don't hear much from them. This seems to be a plague affecting all Democrats almost as if they have taken an oath not to be progressive or even heard from. I find Iowa politics to be quite disappointing. I came here from Minnesota. I don't miss their winters, but I do miss their politics.
I certainly understand why you miss Minnesota’s politics. I’ve been spending time in Maryland, and while Des Moines is still home and I miss it, it’s so refreshing not to be surrounded by all the rhetoric against minorities and the broadsides against education, books, immigrants, women, low income and trans people, and the environment by Iowa’s elected officials.
Thanks, Rekha. All of the discrimination we are dealing with feels like whack-a-mole. We are so lucky we have people like you continuing the fight and bringing it into the light of day.
Thanks for highlighting yet another important Republican, self proclaimed solution to an issue still unsolved. Remember when they concluded gender balance on state boards and committees wasn’t required anymore, because ‘meritocracy’ had been achieved. Diversity, equality and inclusion programs aren’t necessary, because we’re all living in a fair and equitable society, victimless, with egalitarianism achieved. And, if you don’t accept that harmful misanthropic fantasy, we’re going to threaten you, your business or academic institution with every pernicious threat and penalty possible. It’s great knowing women have achieved equality in opportunity and payroll. Nice knowing regardless of your race, gender, religion or ethnicity everyone is on a level playing field in this life. These are fantasies they regularly use to justify their reprehensible beliefs, which they now are imbedding into our laws and lives.
You’ve consistently, repeatedly, relentlessly spotlighted their nonsensical claims and arguments for years. But, now they seem to be incrementally achieving their goals without opposition. The police department doesn’t need more women?! Payoff justice is acceptable?! Guess it’s time for a new slogan, “With liberty and justice…for some”
1. Will not protect DSM from a discrimination lawsuit. Men tend to think of women as the weaker sex, both on and off the force.
2. Male officers just don’t think that
Woman officers are tough enough to have their backs.
3. Male officers might feel More endangered because of an internal code that indicates that they should save a woman officer from harm while endangering their own lives.
4. This elevates them to think they are superior to women and minority officers, even with the same training for the same job. This allows people that feel that way to take liberties, such as harassment and Bullying that makes them think they can get away with it.
5. This does not encompass all officers.
Maybe there should be more women officers to dispel these myths.
Man, the ACLU nowadays has a full plate of unconstitutional stuff to fight. This has got to be right up there in issues worthy of a lawsuit.
Thank you♡
Thanks for this column, Rekha, about an outrageous new law. I don't remember reading or hearing anything about this measure as it was in the legislative works. Who produced and advocated for it? And does it somehow apply only to the City of Des Moines? It strikes me as perhaps the dumbest idea to come out of this legislative session, and there have several. And it's shocking to me that our first female governor would sign it into law.
Good questions, Chuck. Here's a quick explanation in the form of a published letter to the Register from former DMPD Chief Bill Moulder. The law is even broader and it came with the threat of cities losing government funding and more for not complying. Des Moines voted to comply. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/readers/2025/06/07/joni-ernst-lost-vote-dei-ban-des-moines-police-department/84097869007/
Our governor haas spent her entire term doing the wrong things and will proudly leave us not soon enough. Her dedication all things Republican all but guarantees that she will depart from her office leaving as much wreckage as she can. But where are the Democrats? We don't hear much from them. This seems to be a plague affecting all Democrats almost as if they have taken an oath not to be progressive or even heard from. I find Iowa politics to be quite disappointing. I came here from Minnesota. I don't miss their winters, but I do miss their politics.
I certainly understand why you miss Minnesota’s politics. I’ve been spending time in Maryland, and while Des Moines is still home and I miss it, it’s so refreshing not to be surrounded by all the rhetoric against minorities and the broadsides against education, books, immigrants, women, low income and trans people, and the environment by Iowa’s elected officials.
Your mentality of Rump’s red/blue racism and blaming everyone but yourself for what’s happening is pathetic!
Thanks, Rekha. All of the discrimination we are dealing with feels like whack-a-mole. We are so lucky we have people like you continuing the fight and bringing it into the light of day.
This ruling comes at a particularly bad time as most law enforcement agencies are short staffed.
Thanks for highlighting yet another important Republican, self proclaimed solution to an issue still unsolved. Remember when they concluded gender balance on state boards and committees wasn’t required anymore, because ‘meritocracy’ had been achieved. Diversity, equality and inclusion programs aren’t necessary, because we’re all living in a fair and equitable society, victimless, with egalitarianism achieved. And, if you don’t accept that harmful misanthropic fantasy, we’re going to threaten you, your business or academic institution with every pernicious threat and penalty possible. It’s great knowing women have achieved equality in opportunity and payroll. Nice knowing regardless of your race, gender, religion or ethnicity everyone is on a level playing field in this life. These are fantasies they regularly use to justify their reprehensible beliefs, which they now are imbedding into our laws and lives.
You’ve consistently, repeatedly, relentlessly spotlighted their nonsensical claims and arguments for years. But, now they seem to be incrementally achieving their goals without opposition. The police department doesn’t need more women?! Payoff justice is acceptable?! Guess it’s time for a new slogan, “With liberty and justice…for some”
Disgusting.
This law that Gov Reynolds signed,
1. Will not protect DSM from a discrimination lawsuit. Men tend to think of women as the weaker sex, both on and off the force.
2. Male officers just don’t think that
Woman officers are tough enough to have their backs.
3. Male officers might feel More endangered because of an internal code that indicates that they should save a woman officer from harm while endangering their own lives.
4. This elevates them to think they are superior to women and minority officers, even with the same training for the same job. This allows people that feel that way to take liberties, such as harassment and Bullying that makes them think they can get away with it.
5. This does not encompass all officers.
Maybe there should be more women officers to dispel these myths.