State Universities reallocate millions originally earmarked for DEI programs

Hunter
11/01/24

A report issued earlier this week indicates that Iowa’s state universities have reallocated more than $2.1 million originally earmarked for programs relating to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus due to  Iowa Board of Regent directives.

Iowa Capitol Dispatch reports the universities are working to come under compliance with a state law barring them from opening, maintaining or funding DEI offices.

Senate File 2435 bars the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University from launching, maintaining or funding DEI offices, as defined by the law. Public universities cannot hire  anyone to conduct the duties of a DEI office, or assign these duties to a current employee. They also cannot make or compel anyone to submit a DEI statement.

Exceptions to the law include student organizations, student recruitment offices and offices tasked with making sure the university is following state and federal laws and court orders.

To comply with board directives, the University of Iowa restructured its Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and renamed it the Division of Access, Opportunity and Diversity.  They also eliminated its Office of Inclusive Education and Strategic Initiatives, was over most of the university’s DEI efforts.

11 full-time DEI positions were eliminated as part of the review.

In addition, the UI has eliminated scholarships and programs “targeted towards minority students,” according to the report, and student support services have been broadened to ensure they are available to all students.

Board of Regents President Sherry Bates said in September’s meeting that the board and universities’ work will be complete by the end of the year.

Each of the universities will provide updates to the board at its meeting next week at the University of Northern Iowa.