Iowa
On May 9, 2024, a law that banned public institutions from having DEI offices and from hiring or assigning anyone “to perform duties” of a DEI office was passed. There are strict restrictions regarding what universities can promote as their official positions. Furthermore, universities must refrain from attempts to manipulate or affect the racial, gender, or ethnic makeup of the faculty or the student body. Schools are also banned from conducting trainings or activities “with reference to race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” (Source) Iowa currently has what is considered the most stringent laws surrounding DEI in higher education.
Higher Education
The state restricts the promotion of “divisive concepts” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
K-12 Education
Iowa passed a ban on CRT in K-12 education in June 2021. Educators rebelled against the bill as it was making its way through the legislature:
As Iowa moved to ban the teaching of critical race theory, a state-run education support agency held workshops for teachers about the controversial topic that included a graphic that listed former President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again” as an example of “covert white supremacy,” according to a report.
Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, signed a law prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in schools earlier this month, calling the theory “indoctrination not education,” and the ban will take effect on July 1.
But leaked documents show an Area Education Agency in the state was advising teachers on “antiracism” and created a presentation that cited the authors of critical race theory Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi, Fox News reported on Wednesday.
The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, one of nine such groups in Iowa that advise public schools and some private schools, prepared presentations in April and May titled “MBAEA Equity Department Meetings: Anti-racism.” (source)
The fight appears to have no end in sight.