Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — Bills to end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education as well as local governments have been debated in the legislature this year, but so far none have become law.
Early Tuesday morning, a House subcommittee approved a Senate bill that would ban DEI offices and staff in city and county governments. Chuck Hurley of The Family Leader says DEI violates the Christian belief that every human being should be valued.
Denise Rathman is a lobbyist for the Iowa Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Rathman says ending DEI initiatives doesn’t make discrimination go away.
Tom Cope is a lobbyist for the Iowa chapter of the American Planning Association. Cope says planning for roads, housing and other public structures needs to consider the impact on everybody.
Republican Representative Skyler Wheeler of Hull closed the hearing with this comment.
A Senate subcommittee on Tuesday was to review a House-passed bill to forbid DEI programs at private colleges that enroll students who receive Iowa Tuition Grants from the state. The bill prohibits DEI activities at community colleges and the three state universities as well.
