Politics
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Iowa DEI Ban Advances: State, Universities Targeted
Iowa DEI Ban Advances, Sparking Debate Over State Funding and Higher Education
DES MOINES, IA – A bill aiming to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and related spending in Iowa is moving forward, despite significant opposition. House File 856, which passed an Iowa Senate subcommittee Tuesday, would prohibit state entities, including universities and community colleges, from using public or private funds for DEI initiatives. Private universities found non-compliant would lose eligibility for the Iowa Tuition Grant program.
Subcommittee chairman Sen. Ken Rozenboom (R-Oskaloosa) indicated he would amend the bill to remove the provision affecting private universities, citing concerns about unprecedented conditions on the Iowa Tuition Grant. He expressed discomfort with potentially adding future stipulations to the program. However, Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames) expressed his hope that the amendment would extend to public universities and community colleges as well.
Public testimony revealed sharply divided opinions. Supporters, including parents and lobbyists like Amber Williams of Inspired Life, argued the bill would curb perceived divisiveness stemming from DEI policies and ensure students are judged on merit, not demographics. One supporter, Patty Alexander, stated the bill would "hold higher learning institutions accountable."
Conversely, opponents, such as Connie Ryan, Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, contended that DEI initiatives are crucial for addressing historical disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for all Iowans. Ryan emphasized that DEI aims to provide support and remove barriers to success.
The Iowa Board of Regents expressed an "undecided" stance, but acknowledged general support for a move away from DEI, mirroring a national trend. While the board called for alignment of varying DEI definitions across different bills, Sen. Quirmbach highlighted the value of DEI in recruiting the most qualified candidates from a broad pool of applicants. He contrasted DEI with the acronym MEI (merit, excellence, and intelligence), which some proponents presented as a preferred alternative. Sens. Rozenboom and Kraayenbrink suggested the bill reflects the electorate's desire for a shift away from DEI. The bill's progression follows similar legislation in other states, such as Florida's SB-420, which would prohibit cities from funding DEI-related actions. Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward indicated that the city would seek guidance on compliance should the Florida bill become law, while emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.
DES MOINES, IA – A bill aiming to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices and related spending in Iowa is moving forward, despite significant opposition. House File 856, which passed an Iowa Senate subcommittee Tuesday, would prohibit state entities, including universities and community colleges, from using public or private funds for DEI initiatives. Private universities found non-compliant would lose eligibility for the Iowa Tuition Grant program.
Subcommittee chairman Sen. Ken Rozenboom (R-Oskaloosa) indicated he would amend the bill to remove the provision affecting private universities, citing concerns about unprecedented conditions on the Iowa Tuition Grant. He expressed discomfort with potentially adding future stipulations to the program. However, Sen. Herman Quirmbach (D-Ames) expressed his hope that the amendment would extend to public universities and community colleges as well.
Public testimony revealed sharply divided opinions. Supporters, including parents and lobbyists like Amber Williams of Inspired Life, argued the bill would curb perceived divisiveness stemming from DEI policies and ensure students are judged on merit, not demographics. One supporter, Patty Alexander, stated the bill would "hold higher learning institutions accountable."
Conversely, opponents, such as Connie Ryan, Executive Director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, contended that DEI initiatives are crucial for addressing historical disparities and ensuring equal opportunities for all Iowans. Ryan emphasized that DEI aims to provide support and remove barriers to success.
The Iowa Board of Regents expressed an "undecided" stance, but acknowledged general support for a move away from DEI, mirroring a national trend. While the board called for alignment of varying DEI definitions across different bills, Sen. Quirmbach highlighted the value of DEI in recruiting the most qualified candidates from a broad pool of applicants. He contrasted DEI with the acronym MEI (merit, excellence, and intelligence), which some proponents presented as a preferred alternative. Sens. Rozenboom and Kraayenbrink suggested the bill reflects the electorate's desire for a shift away from DEI. The bill's progression follows similar legislation in other states, such as Florida's SB-420, which would prohibit cities from funding DEI-related actions. Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward indicated that the city would seek guidance on compliance should the Florida bill become law, while emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion.
