Hunter
06/03/21
Reacting to incidents and complaints regarding free speech at all three state-run universities, the Iowa Board of Regents plan to hold a system-wide survey on free speech issues.
The Gazette reports that the University of Iowa, Iowa State, and the University of Northern Iowa have all conducted their own separate climate surveys based on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. They’ve also polled campuses on sexual violence and safety. Now, the board is tasking a new free speech committee to identify the questions, processes and timeline for a uniform survey.
The regents add that in the meantime, the universities should pay particular attention to providing a welcoming climate for all members of their campus communities, while ensuring that policies and procedures for addressing suppression of speech are clearly communicated.
During the 2021 state legislative session, lawmakers proposed measures to ensure free speech that included ending tenure, asking campus employees about their political affiliations, requiring course outlines to be posted by instructors, mandating free speech training, and making free speech policies on campuses part of state code.
The free speech committee made a list of recommendations, including one that would ban university resources from going toward partisan activities. Others would prevent the institutions from taking policy positions without permission from the Board of Regents, and punishing students or student organizations due to their viewpoints.
The most recent Gallup poll on the subject showed 81 percent of respondents supporting open speech on campuses, even if some of it is offensive, but a growing percentage supporting restrctions on the use of racial slurs and costumes that stereotype certain racial and/or ethnic groups.