The Iowa Board of Regents is set to discuss removing references to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its strategic plan during a meeting next week. This move follows recent state legislation and would impact the direction of higher education in Iowa.
On January 15, the Iowa Board of Regents will review a newly edited draft of its 2022-2027 strategic plan, which, among other things, proposes removing language related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These edits come after new state laws have altered how DEI can be integrated into public institutions, particularly in regard to state universities. The proposed changes are significant and will affect the strategic direction of the state’s public universities.
The Board of Regents, which oversees the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa, will decide whether to approve this revised version of the strategic plan. The updated draft, made available earlier this week, removes not only DEI language but also references to specific schools that no longer fall under the Board’s control, such as the Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The document also revises language on gender balance on state boards, which was previously mandated.
The Changes: DEI and Beyond
The revised draft of the strategic plan addresses three specific legislative changes that have prompted these alterations. Senate File 514 and Senate File 2096, both passed in 2023, altered the scope of the Board’s purview by transferring certain schools to the Department of Education and eliminating requirements for gender balance on state boards and commissions. In addition, Senate File 2435, which passed in 2024, restricts state universities from opening, funding, or maintaining positions related to DEI unless required by law or for accreditation purposes.
The strategic plan, which was first approved in February 2022, has always been described as a “living document” that provides a framework for the Board of Regents and the universities under its governance. At the time of its approval, the plan included several references to diversity, inclusion, and support for underrepresented students, reflecting the Board’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. However, with the passage of these new laws, the language surrounding these priorities now stands in need of revision.
Here’s a quick summary of the legislative changes influencing the plan:
- Senate File 514: Transferred the Iowa School for the Deaf and Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired to the Department of Education.
- Senate File 2096: Removed requirements for gender balance on state boards and commissions.
- Senate File 2435: Prohibited state universities from creating or maintaining DEI-related positions or offices that are not required by law or for accreditation.
The Impact on Iowa’s Universities
These legislative shifts are not just bureaucratic changes. The universities within the Board’s jurisdiction, including the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa, have already begun adjusting to comply with the new laws. In particular, these schools have dismantled or reorganized their DEI offices and positions in response to the legislation.
For example, several DEI-related positions were eliminated at these universities after the passage of Senate File 2435, and other roles were restructured to focus solely on activities required for accreditation. The universities were tasked with ensuring their policies align with the state’s new regulations, which has led to some difficult decisions and transitions.
Why the Changes Matter
The removal of DEI-related language from the Board of Regents’ strategic plan reflects a broader shift in higher education policy in Iowa, and it has sparked significant discussion. Supporters of the changes argue that removing DEI language ensures that the universities remain compliant with state laws, while critics contend that these moves could have long-term negative effects on diversity and inclusion efforts within the state’s public higher education system.
The universities now face the challenge of balancing state mandates with their institutional goals of providing equitable opportunities for all students. There is concern among some faculty members, students, and advocacy groups that this shift could stifle important initiatives aimed at addressing disparities in access to higher education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups.
While some argue that DEI initiatives should be voluntary and adaptable to each institution’s needs, others warn that removing such language could undermine efforts to address systemic inequalities in Iowa’s higher education system. The decision to remove the DEI language from the Board’s strategic plan is poised to be a crucial moment in determining the future of diversity efforts at Iowa’s public universities.
What’s Next for the Board of Regents?
With the January 15 meeting looming, the Board of Regents must weigh the legal and educational implications of the proposed changes. While the draft revisions have already been shared with the public, the Board will have the opportunity to discuss the plan further and possibly make additional amendments before its final approval.
The debate surrounding DEI policies is not limited to Iowa. Across the nation, universities and other educational institutions are grappling with similar issues as they respond to state and federal legislative pressures. As the Board of Regents considers its next steps, the outcome of this decision will be closely watched by educators, policymakers, and students alike.
In the coming weeks, it will become clear how these changes will impact the universities in Iowa and whether this trend will influence other states as they reconsider their own DEI policies in higher education.
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