Petition calls for delay on vote on Iowa City schools diversity plan

IOWA CITY – An online petition is calling for the Iowa City school board to postpone a vote on a diversity policy.

The petition does not specify how long of a delay organizers are seeking. It says, “We believe that a well-crafted, transparent policy requires additional time, planning, and the involvement of ICCSD administrators, principals, teachers, and families from all schools.”

The petition had more than 225 signatures as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.

School Board President Marla Swesey said Tuesday she called a special meeting for 9 a.m. Saturday to hold the second of three readings needed to adopt the diversity policy. An agenda for the meeting has not been released and it was not listed on the district's online calendar Wednesday.

Three board members

angrily protested the unusual Saturday meeting and said they have conflicts and cannot attend.