Three teachers from Iowa's Ankeny Community School District have reached a settlement after filing discrimination lawsuits against the district. The teachers—Jill Bjorklund, Mollie Jo Blahunka, and PJ Hurley—were investigated in May 2022 for their involvement in a student-led drag show held on campus after school hours. The event was organized by students from the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs at Ankeny High School and Southview Middle School, featuring youth drag performers from the Central Iowa Youth Pride Pageant.
The district stated that the event was not approved by school administration and did not follow proper protocols. However, the teachers contended that they had communicated with school officials regarding the event and had reserved the auditorium for the celebration. Following the incident, the teachers were placed on leave, with two receiving suspensions and all three facing bans from sponsoring school activities.
The teachers accused the district of discrimination and retaliation for their support of LGBTQ students, claiming violations of their First Amendment rights. After a prolonged legal battle, a settlement was reached just before the trial was set to begin on July 20, with the district agreeing to pay approximately $150,000, which includes attorney fees. A spokesperson for the district stated that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all parties involved.