Des Moines, Iowa — An update from the staff of the Board of Regents shows they are ahead of schedule in complying with a new law that requires cutting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Regent Christine Hensley says she is pleased with the work done on the issue and was pleased after a meeting with students on the issue.
Regent David Barker says the report presented Thursday shows things are off to a good start.
Barker says the report only deals with university administrative offices.
He says DEI has been ingrained in the system.
Regent Robert Crammer says the students might want to participate in developing a process to address issues that pop up.
Regent Jim Lindemayer says inclusion is something that we all want, but he thinks some of the mistakes is when it is institutionalized.
The new law will not take effect until July 1st of 2025, and the Board of Regents staff say they will continue working on the compliance issues. State Representative Taylor Collins led Republican efforts on the DEI bill. He released a statement following the Board of Regents meeting Thursday that says: “Iowa’s higher education system will no longer waste millions or be distracted by ideological agendas. These changes are a positive step forward, but the legislature shouldn’t have to continue to do the Board of Regents or our University President’s job for them – Iowans expect more.”
