Reassessing Inclusion in Education: A Letter to the Editor on the Need for Progress

It’s a strange time to reflect on higher education.

Watching the ongoing changes in colleges can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Many are focused on making education accessible and welcoming for all, but it seems some university leaders are forgetting this mission.

Recently, there have been two major actions that raise eyebrows. First, the Board of Regents is considering removing references to “inclusion” from its strategic plan. It’s hard to believe we’re at a point where we don’t even aim to include everyone in education. Isn’t inclusion at the heart of public education?

Second, a concerning letter from Rep. Taylor Collins, the new chair of the House Higher Education Committee, emphasizes that public universities should prioritize meeting the state’s workforce needs. While it’s true that Iowa needs skilled graduates, the essence of higher education goes beyond just preparing workers for jobs. It’s also about fostering creativity, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Great discoveries, whether in technology, health care, or the arts, don’t come from narrow training alone. They emerge from an environment where students think deeply, question norms, and explore new ideas. Isn’t this the kind of broad, enriching education we want for the people of Iowa?

Some might dismiss these concerns as too progressive. It’s troubling how the word “woke,” which simply means being aware, has become a negative label. We need to have these conversations without the fear of stigma.

Education should inspire growth, understanding, and advancement for all. This is what we should strive for, ensuring that our institutions remain both inclusive and innovative.

— Lois Cox, Iowa City