Julian Lira, who taught third and sixth grades in Davenport, Iowa, is taking the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to court. He argues the board overstepped its authority when it imposed a three‑year suspension of his teaching license and added conditions for a psychosexual and mental‑health evaluation.

Legal challenge

Lira filed the suit in Polk County District Court, seeking judicial review of the board’s final order dated September 24, 2026. He contends that an administrative law judge’s proposed decision from June 30, 2025, which found he had “briefly touched (a former student’s) chest” at a wedding reception, was altered by the board. The judge had recommended a public letter of reprimand, but the board deleted the portion of the recommendation that addressed the seriousness of the offense and instead imposed a three‑year suspension.

Board’s actions

The board retained the finding that Lira engaged in an “inappropriate interaction” with a former student, yet chose a harsher penalty. In addition to the suspension, the board required Lira to obtain a doctor’s clearance for a psychosexual evaluation, a mental‑health assessment, and possible counseling before any reinstatement could be considered. Lira’s lawsuit asserts the board offered no additional aggravating facts to justify the enhanced penalty and provided no explanation for rejecting the judge’s more measured sanction.

Background of the allegations

The disciplinary case stems from an incident reported in late 2023, when WHBF TV said Lira was arrested and charged with misdemeanor lascivious conduct with a minor after the alleged contact at a wedding reception on Oct. 7, 2023. Prosecutors later dropped the charge, stating they could not prove Lira was in a position of authority over the alleged victim at the time.

Court records also show Lira faced a 2019 criminal charge for sexual abuse of a young relative. A jury acquitted him of second‑degree sexual abuse.

What Lira is asking

Lira asks the court to reverse the board’s final decision and dismiss the disciplinary complaint. In the alternative, he requests that the decision be vacated and the matter remanded for a new hearing before a different administrative law judge.

State response

The State of Iowa has not commented on the pending litigation and has not yet filed a response.

Why this matters locally

Education licensing decisions affect not only teachers but also parents who rely on schools to protect their children. The case raises questions about due‑process protections for educators and the appropriate role of state boards in imposing punitive measures. Local families and school officials will be watching the outcome closely, as it could set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future.

Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.