Iowa lawmakers expand DEI restrictions, targeting universities and grants – The Times of India

Iowa lawmakers had previously passed a bill eliminating offices that promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the state’s three public universities. On Tuesday, the House took further steps by passing several bills targeting DEI initiatives. These include revoking Iowa Tuition Grant funding for colleges that maintain DEI programs, establishing a Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, and granting universities the right to sue accrediting bodies if they suffer harm due to compliance with state law, as reported by Daily Iowan.
The legislation introduced by Iowa lawmakers directly impacts programs designed to support underrepresented and marginalized groups while fostering inclusivity. However, Republican lawmakers argue that such initiatives prioritize identity over “merit, excellence, and intelligence.” They contend that individuals should be judged on their skills and effort rather than their race or background, Daily Iowan reports.
“DEI creates divisiveness and animosity toward one another. At the end of the day, the human race is made up of different colors, ethnicities, and backgrounds,” said Rep. Henry Stone, R-Forest City. “Most importantly, we have got to stop teaching this to our children. What we’re doing is teaching them that before considering anything else, they must first acknowledge differences in skin color and treat people accordingly,” he added, as reported by Daily Iowan.
According to KCRG, lawmakers also passed a bill standardizing core curriculum requirements across the three state universities. However, the legislation specifically bans the inclusion of “identity politics” in general education courses.
In addition, lawmakers approved a bill prohibiting the use of taxpayer money to fund DEI initiatives in both state and local government. This bill also extends the DEI ban to community colleges and private universities that participate in the Iowa Tuition Grant Program.
These legislative moves mark a significant shift in Iowa’s approach to diversity and inclusion in higher education, signaling a broader political debate over the role of DEI initiatives in academia and governance. The impact of these measures on Iowa’s educational institutions remains to be seen, as the debate over merit-based opportunities versus inclusivity continues to unfold.