The Ankeny school district in Iowa has reached a settlement with three teachers who were disciplined for their involvement in a student-led drag show. The event, which took place in, sparked a wave of controversy and legal action, ultimately leading to a $150,000 settlement.
The drag show was organized by students from Ankeny High School and Southview Middle School as part of their Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The event was intended to be a private gathering for GSA members, combining a drag performance with an ice cream social. Despite its intended privacy, the event gained widespread attention after footage was shared on Social Media platforms like Libs of TikTok and reported by outlets such as The Blaze.
The Controversy and Legal Fallout
The drag show quickly became a focal point for right-wing criticism. Kimberly Reicks, a well-known activist and advisor to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, even filed an $87 million lawsuit against the school district, although neither she nor her children attended the event. This lawsuit was eventually dismissed in 2026.
In response to the backlash, the Ankeny school district investigated the teachers involved and imposed disciplinary actions. Jill Bjorklund and Mollie Jo Blahunka, who were faculty sponsors, along with PJ Hurley, who was invited to attend, faced suspensions and restrictions. Bjorklund received a five-day suspension, Blahunka a three-day suspension, and all three were barred from sponsoring student activities. The district also attempted to bring ethics charges against the teachers, but these were dismissed by the Iowa Board of Education Examiners.
The Impact on Students and Staff
The lawsuit filed by the teachers alleged that the district’s actions had a chilling effect on LGBTQ+ students and staff. According to the lawsuit, the district’s response sent a clear message that LGBTQ+ individuals were unwelcome and unsafe in their own schools. This sentiment was echoed by Nathan Maxwell, a senior attorney for Lambda Legal, who criticized Iowa’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, signed into law in 2026, as a cruel and unconstitutional measure that silences LGBTQ+ children and forces educators to expose vulnerable students to potential harm.
The settlement, announced in July 2026, includes approximately $27,700 for each teacher and $67,000 for their attorney’s fees, totaling $150,000. While the district’s spokesperson stated that the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, the incident underscores the ongoing tensions around LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in educational settings.
The Broader Implications
The Ankeny drag show controversy is part of a larger national debate about the role of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools. The event and subsequent legal actions highlight the challenges faced by educators and students in creating safe and supportive environments. As states like Iowa continue to enact legislation that restricts discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation, the impact on students and staff remains a critical issue.
The settlement with the Ankeny teachers serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ students and the educators who advocate for them. It also underscores the need for policies that protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
