A subcommittee of Iowa lawmakers advanced legislation to committee on Thursday modifying specifications relating to the protection of free speech for students enrolled in school districts, charter schools, and innovation school zones, designated groups of schools within a district receiving waivers from the state. House File 2106 prohibits school districts from discriminating or penalizing a student for engaging in religious or political speech and allows students to engage in protected speech in school by expressing viewpoints, organizing clubs, or wearing clothing or accessories. The bill was supported by faith-based organizations, students involved in the Turning Point USA, which is a nonprofit organization advocating for conservative politics, chapters of their high schools, and Republican lawmakers. The bill was opposed by education groups and Democratic lawmakers. “We can disagree.”Samuel Proctor, a senior from Marion High School, also voiced support for the bill.