(Radio Iowa) – Former Vice President Mike Pence is backing parents who object to the transgender policies in an eastern Iowa school district. Last year the Linn-Mar School Board adopted a policy that lets student use a different name at school, without notifying parents. A group of parents filed a lawsuit challenging the policy and Pence held an event in Cedar Rapids yesterday (Wednesday) to show his support.

Over 50 protesters gathered outside the Pizza Ranch where Pence was speaking, holding signs in support of trans children. Hiawatha City Council member Aime Wichtendahl says Pence’s message is harmful.

Pence is among the high-profile Republicans visiting Iowa this month, less than a year before Republicans here will host the first-in-the-nation Caucuses. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott will be here next week. Former U-N Ambassador Nikki Haley announced yesterday (Wednesday) she’s running for president and she’ll visit Iowa Monday. Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson was in central Iowa yesterday (Wednesday).