Iowa House Higher Education Committee to Evaluate Forward-Thinking Bills on Academic Programs and DEI Reforms: What You Need to Know!

The new higher education committee in the Iowa House of Representatives is looking at several bills focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion at colleges. They also want to review and possibly change academic programs.

One bill aims to assess existing academic offerings and suggest updates or new courses, while others may limit diversity and inclusion programs. Various subcommittee meetings are set for this and next week to discuss these proposals.

House Study Bill 50 calls for the Iowa Board of Regents to evaluate every undergraduate and graduate program at the state’s three public universities. The goal is to see how well these programs meet current workforce needs in Iowa. A report with recommendations is due by November, and findings must be shared with Governor Kim Reynolds and the General Assembly by November 30.

Another proposal, House Study Bill 52, would set up a “school of intellectual freedom” at the University of Iowa. This new school would focus on American history and free speech, and it would require hiring at least five faculty members. An academic council will help pick a dean, who will report back to state leaders annually.

Labeled the “Core Curriculum Act,” House Study Bill 63 seeks to establish clear general education requirements. The proposal specifies subjects like math, science, and American heritage while banning courses that may promote certain political views. A subcommittee meeting is set for January 28 to discuss this further.

Additionally, House Study Bill 56 proposes a new graduation requirement: a course on American history and civil government. This would include studying foundational documents like the Constitution. A meeting for this bill is scheduled for January 28 at 4 p.m.

On the topic of diversity, House Study Bill 60 would prevent private universities from having DEI offices. If they do, they risk losing eligibility for the Iowa Tuition Grant program. Another related bill, House Study Bill 61, aims to extend similar restrictions to community colleges. Violations of these laws could be reported to the Iowa attorney general, affecting tuition grant eligibility.

Lastly, House Study Bill 62 proposes that at least half of Iowa Tuition Grant funding go to students in high-demand job fields. The Workforce Development Board will work to identify these areas, with discussions scheduled for January 30.

Although some officials from private colleges have concerns about how these changes might impact their students, they are willing to engage with the committee to provide necessary information.