Some Iowa Lawmakers Want to Implement In-Class Cameras; Teachers Could Be Fined if They Block or Cut Cameras Off

A new Iowa law could allow cameras in classrooms so parents can livestream.

As certain groups of parents continue to try to block the teaching of critical race theory, conservative lawmakers are pushing for a new bill that would implement in-class cameras into public schools. According to the New York Post, the bill was introduced last week and was sponsored by Republican state Rep. Norlin Mommsen.

The cameras would be included in nearly all classrooms from kindergarten up to 12th grade and they would only be exempt from physical education classes. If a teacher cuts a camera off or blocks a camera’s view, they could be fined up to 5 percent of their weekly salary each time they are caught, the news outlet reports.

The move comes as conservative politicians and parents reportedly attempt to censor the content being taught in class. Mommsen says the cameras will be funded by money already given to the school.

The Iowa State Education Association says the bill would be doing a bit too much. “The inappropriateness of belief that there should be continual videotaping in a classroom is something that should not even be considered,” Mike Beranek, president of the association, the New York Post reports. “There are federal laws that this bill violates in terms of privacy and the work that our students do in our classrooms.”